29th June 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,534

WEDNESDAY, 29 JUNE, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Confab —P4 delegates didn't get N7m each —Bolaji Akinyemi

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Alleged forgery

Ekweremadu writes US Congress, EU Parliament —P3 •Senate summons AGF again

TribuneOnline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

38 retired army officers can go to court —Buratai —P3

Alleged N4bn money laundering

EFCC arraigns Fani-Kayode, Nenadi Usman, two others •Court sends them to prison, fixes July 1 for bail application hearing—P2 •Ex-NSA authorised $40m payment to Jonathan's cousin's company —Witness •Court summons EFCC, Zenith Bank to defend freezing of Fayose's account

PDP crisis: Lamido exonerates APC, SGF, Atiku —P32

638 YouWin members get N1.6bn —P11

Director of Media and Publicity, Gooduck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode (second right); Former Minister of Finance, Mrs Nenadi Usman and Danjuma Yusuf (left), at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday.

IGP deploys special task force in Kogi —P32

—P??

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Ex-NSA authorised $40m payment to Jonathan cousin’s company, says witness Sunday Ejike -Abuja

From left, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Managing Director, Digital Gaming System, Chief Ken Iwelumo and the Chairman, Digital Gaming System, Mr Mark Shenton, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and Digital Gaming System, at the Government House, Asaba, Delta State.

Alleged N4bn money laundering: EFCC arraigns Fani-Kayode, Nenadi Usman, two others Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin -Lagos

A

former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, was on Tuesday, charged before the Federal High Court in Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering.

Fani-Kayode, who was also a Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign committee of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned alongside Nenadi Usman, a former minister and Danjuma Yusuf.

Also charged was a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited.

Their arraignment had suffered two adjournments before they were finally arraigned in court on Tuesday.

They were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

They each pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After their arraignment, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo prayed the court for a trial date, adding that he was prepared to proceed with trial.

However, counsel for the first and second accused, Mr Ayo Adedipe and Mr S.I Ameh informed the court of a bail application filed on behalf of their clients.

Counsel for the third accused, Mr Fred Orbih, however, informed the court that he was yet to file his bail application on behalf of his client.

Justice Sule Hassan, in a short ruling, adjourned the case to July 1 for hearing of their bail applications.

The judge, however, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody

pending determination of their bail.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

They were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion, allegedly part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

They were also accused of

unlawfully using over N970 million, which amounted to an unlawful act of corruption.

Fani-Kayode, alongside one Olubode Oke, who was said to now be at large, were alleged to have made cash payment of about N30 million, in excess of the amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

Fani-Kayode was also alleged to have made payment to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis Street, Lagos, in excess of amounts allowed by law.

All offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money laundering (prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

THE trial of Azibaola Roberts, cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan in the alleged $40 million money laundering charge, began on Tuesday, in Abuja, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution witness, Ibrahim Maye, saying the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) instructed him to prepare a payment mandate of $40 million in favour of One Plus Limited.

Dasuki was the NSA in the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, while One Plus Limited is the company of Roberts, his cousin.

Roberts, together with his wife, Stella, were arraigned on June 8, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering, totalling about $40 million.

Maye, who was the first witness called by the prosecution, told the court that Dasuki had endorsed a memo to him with details of the company’s account.

He said the memo was sent to him in his capacity as the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Office, a de-

Court orders EFCC, Zenith Bank to appear over freezing of Fayose’s account Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti THE Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, has ordered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Zenith Bank must appear on Monday, July 4, to show cause why a motion to de-freeze Governor Ayodele Fayose’s personal accounts with the bank should not be granted.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo, while ruling in a motion ex parte brought before his court by Fayose through his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, said the court also granted leave to the applicants to serve the respondents forthwith at the

addresses on the order papers.

Justice Taiwo said: “I am of the opinion that this mandatory order is better granted with the interlocutory order being sought through an application pending before the court, because the applicant has filed all papers to this effect.

“I hereby order the first and second respondents to appear before this honourable court on July 4, and show cause why the order should be refused. This is not a refusal of the order, I have not refused it, but I only put it in abeyance, which I said without prejudice to what will be the posi-

Sanusi writes new IGP, seeks stronger efforts in fight against crime Chris Agbambu -Abuja THE Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi II, has urged the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to strengthen his resolve to fight crimes in the country.

In his letter of congratulations to Idris, on his recent appointment as the Inspector-General of Police, Emir Sanusi II, said he received with great pleasure the news

of the appointment of Idris as the acting IGP and wished to congratulate him on the lofty appointment.

Emir Sanusi II said that though the appointment came at a very difficult time in the history of the nation with several security challenges, he had a firm conviction that with the experience and track record of the newly appointed IGP, he would overcome every stumbling block.

tion of the respondents.

“But a leave is granted for the service of the defendants with the originating summons in their respective addresses as contained on the order papers.”

Chief Ozekhome had pleaded with the court to grant the motion to defreeze the two personal accounts belonging to Governor Fayose, saying the alleged illegal act by the EFCC and the second respondent, Zenith Bank, had caused untold hardship to his client.

According to Ozekhome, Governor Fayose had gone to his bank to withdraw some money, but was told he could not do so because there was “an order from above.”

He added: “Fayose said but only God is the one above and any order should come from Him. He said he would remain in the bank until what happened to his account is explained to him in black and white; why he cannot operate his personal account. Hence, the letter which we present as exhibit A.” He, therefore, through an 18-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Bimpe Olamiju and filed on June 24, asked the court to order, among other things, the de-freezing

of the account.

He also sought the leave of the court for the service of the originating summons on the defendants in their various addresses outside the jurisdiction of the court as contained on the order papers, supported by 17-paragraph affidavit.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Taiwo said he quite understood that the applicant (Fayose) enjoyed immunity and that the court could adjudicate on this matter as canvassed by the counsel for the plaintiff, but pointed out that the relief he basically sought was a mandatory order of the court.

“I quite agree that the applicant has immunity pursuant to provisions of the constitution, but it is glaring that the application he is requesting for is a mandatory order to undo what had already been done and the court can’t abdicate its duty under this circumstance,” he said.

partment in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“On August 20, 2014, the NSA endorsed a memo to me which originated from the Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA giving bank details of a company called One Plus.

“The memo also gave details of the purpose for which the company was to be paid the sum of 40 million dollars.

“The NSA instructed me to prepare payment and my understanding of that was that I should prepare the payment mandate for One Plus for his signature.

“After I got the memo, I prepared the payment mandate, sent it to him, he signed and sent it back to me. The subsequent necessary action was for me to counter sign, which I did and I sent it to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for payment,” Maye said.

Earlier, the lead counsel for Roberts, Chris Uche, did urged the court for a short adjournment, because he had not have ample time to meet with his client since he was granted bail to prepare his defence.

He said when bail was granted, he had difficulties in perfecting the bail conditions, adding that the conditions were only perfected last week.

He said they needed more time to prepare their defence, because there were some documents they needed to subpoena from the office of the NSA. Uche also sighted in disposition as part of the reasons his team was asking for an adjournment.

The prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, however, objected to the application on the grounds that they had a witness already in court, who was stopped from going on lesser hajj on account of the trial.

Tahir said they had prevailed on the witness to postpone his trip and not allowing him to give his testimony would amount to a waste of effort.

Trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, agreed with the prosecution that trial should commence since the defence had sufficient time to prepare their defence.

Justice Dimgba adjourned the case till July 4 and 5, for continuation of trial.

RAMADAN MESSAGE And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me. Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.

—Surat Adh-Dhariyat verses 55-58

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38 retired army officers can go to court —Buratai Chris Agbambu -Abuja

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HE Chief of Army Staff, LietenantGeneral Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday, said due process was followed concerning the retirement of 38 senior officers last month, but added that anyone who feels aggrieved could go to court.

“Some of them had written, complaining on the retirement, but the army legal department is looking into such complaints,” he said.

This was as he declared that no place or territory was being held by the Boko Haram terrorists Speaking at a news conference to herald the 2016 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Abuja, the Army Chief disclosed that right now, intelligence reports available to them indicated that the terrorists were now moving to other areas outside Nigeria, as the territory was no longer conducive or safe for them He said the Air Force and the Army were still carrying out air and land patrol, but the people were still afraid to go back to their original homes of abode, adding that this was where the government needed to come in to give them reassurance that all was well.

Speaking on the alleged property in Dubai, the Army Chief noted that this was another ploy to distract and divert attention, adding that the military had already defeated the terrorists and insurgency on the land, and they had migrated to the cybespace, adding that they would follow them to that cybespace and defeat them.

“The terrorists have been defeated and they are not holding any territory, as you know.

“Borno State has a vast area of land and some people held captive are now coming out, as the terrorists are now finding it difficult to sustain themselves, not to talk of those being held captive, as we have blocked all the areas.”

On the Chibok girls, the Army Chief noted that two of them were rescued and they were all abducted from Chibok. It is unfortunate that the issue of Chibok girls had been politicised, because anybody we rescue is as important as the Chibok girls.

According to him, we were still searching and working on any available piece of information and would not relent until we rescue all of them if still alive.

On the alleged coup rumour, the Army Chief said they were investigating the matter to find out the source of the rumour and it was

in the best interest of the national security that they properly investigate rumour.

Also on the issue of re-

furbished equipment being given to troops in the North-East to fight the terrorists, he said it was part of the campaign of calumny.

“I am highly concerned about doing the right thing and I cannot deviate from it.

“We will not be distracted by the terrorists propa-

ganda, as we will continue to defeat them, both on the land and in the cybespace,” he said.

He disclosed that the Army

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (left), presenting a cheque to Master Ekemini Effiong, the son of late Sergeant Effiong Effiong, who died in active service, in Abuja, on Tuesday. With them is his widow, Mrs Esther Effiong. PHOTO: NAN.

had commenced the rotation of troops in the NorthEast, as they have already rotated four units and another battalion was soon to follow, adding that the morale of the troops was high.

The Army Chief added that Army uses the NADCEL week which terminates on July 6 of every year, to reflect on its performance in the previous year, for more effective projections and performance in the following year.

He noted that this was usually premised on the lessons drawn from the activities of the previous year in pursuant of the Nigeria Army’s responsibility of maintaining and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as safe guarding lives and property of its citizenry.

Buratai said the theme for this year’s NADCEL is “Optimising the capability of the Nigerian Army to meet contemporary security challenges.”

Alleged forgery: Ekweremadu writes US Congress, EU Parliament Senate summons AGF again Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

DEPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Tuesday, wrote to the United Nations, European Union, United States’ Congress, European Union (EU) Parliament, governments of United States, United Kingdom and other foreign missions, over what he described as an attempt to truncate Nigeria’s democracy and silence him as the leader and highest ranking member of the opposition in the country, all in the name of prosecuting an alleged forgery case.

In a two-page letter, entitled: “Re: Trumped up charges against the presiding officers of the eighth Senate: Nigerian democracy is in grave danger,” wants the international community, to after perusing the facts before them, decide whether or not the trial was justified or one purely borne out of political vendetta.

He insisted that neither his name nor that of the Senate President featured either in the petition by the aggrieved members of the Senate Unity Forum (SUF) or during the investigation of the petition by the police.

According to him “You may further wish to judge for yourself whether this unfolding scenario, coupled with the clampdown on the opposition, such as targeted arrests and indefinite detention of opposition figures and dissenting voices in spite of court pronouncements and in clear violation of the Nigerian constitution, as well as the sustained marginalisation of the South-

East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria does not constitute a grave danger to the nation’s hardwon democracy.”

The letter read in part: “I wish to forward to you the court summons containing the trumped up charges preferred against my person; the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Bukola Saraki and two others.

“I also wish to appeal to you to kindly find time to read through the annexures- petition by members of the Senate Unity Forum, statements by persons interrogated and the police report- to see if our names appeared anywhere in these documents.

“You may, thereafter, judge for yourself whether the Federal Government, acting through the Attorney-General of the Federation, has any justification whatsoever to generate our names for trial. The list of the accused persons appear to have been politically generated because you cannot by the documents attached, relate any of our names to the offence for which we are now being charged.

“Moreover, the rules and principles of fair hearing have not been adhered to because the police have not interacted with me or the President of the Senate as at the time of writing this letter.

“You may also wish to judge for yourself whether this trial orchestrated against me is not a political trial, calculated witch-hunt, barefaced intimidation, and a clear attempt to emasculate the parliament and silence me as the leader and highest ranking member of

the opposition in Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, it could also be recalled that an attempt was made on my life on November 17, 2015. The Nigerian security agencies did nothing, even though the incident was duly reported.

This is for your information and reflection.”

In a related development, the Minister of Justice the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, has been invited again to appear before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters tomorrow for the second time.

His earlier invitation to appear before the same committee was sequel to a resolution in a motion moved at the plenary by Senator Dino Melaye over a forgery case described as imminent threat to the democracy .

His non-appearance on Thursday, June 23, was on his request for adjournment which was to enable him to prepare for response.

Malami is now to appear before the committee over the ongoing forgery case his office instituted against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and two oth-

ers, and to explain and justify with evidence the basis for filing the case.

The Attorney-General is to meet the committee at 12:00 noon prompt tomorrow, at Senate Meeting Room 31.3, 3rd Floor, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex.

The new invitation, through a letter sent to him, which was signed by the chairman of the committee Senator David Umaru (APC Niger East) NASSIS/ CJHL/024/2016/10 June 27, 2016, was received on 28 June, 2016 at the office of the Attorney-General.

Militancy: Tompolo seeks meeting with Buhari Ebenezer Adurokiya -Warri FORMER militant and fugitive, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, on Tuesday, prayed God to preserve him to meet face to face with President Muhammadu Buhari, so that he could debunk all allegations being levelled against him.

This was as he urged President Buhari to learn from his predecessor, former President Umaru Yar’Adua, on how to manage militancy in the Niger Delta region.

Addressing President Buhari in an open letter signed and addressed to him and made available to Nigerian Tribune in Warri, Delta State, Tompolo said: “Please, permit and pardon my choice of words in this letter, your Excellency Sir, as I am out to convey the obvious to you.

“It is pertinent to mention that I respect your position

as the president of Nigeria and your age, as I am a well brought up African child.

“Today is exactly 31 days after the invasion of the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oporoza town, by your military, led

by Brigadier-General Faruk Yahaya of the fourth Brigade, Benin City, in search of me, with the allegation that I am the one behind the bombing and destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

“And the incident happened in my absence, but I was informed that the army was on the loose and committed so much abominations in the community.

“Imagine the traditional ruler of the kingdom was literally placed on house arrest for one week.

“As I said in my previous publications, the military made away with the symbol of authority of the Gbaramatu people from the Eg-

besu Shrine, which I am the Chief Priest.

“They also made away with other valuables worth several millions of naira from the community.

Tompolo also advised Buhari to avoid the mistake of using military might to resolve the resurgence of militancy in the region, admonishing him to learn from late Ya’Adua.

He urged Buhari to order the release of the 10 secondary school boys arrested by soldiers, as well as return the golden sword and other valuables stolen from Oporoza in the wake of the invasion.

He also decried the discontinuation of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) at Okerenkoko, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, asking him to send his trusted associate to verify the level of work already accomplished in the institution.

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PDP appeals judgment sacking Ikpeazu as Abia gov Sunday Ejike - Abuja

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, lodged an appeal against the judgment of a Federal

High Court in Abuja which sacked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for presenting false tax information.

The party, in the notice of appeal dated June 28, 2016,

expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment of the trial court which removed the governor and ordered Uche Ogah as PDP’s rightful candidate for the governorship election held in Abia State in

April 2015.

First to fourth respondents are Obasi Uba Ukeagbara, Chukwuemeka Mbah, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Okezie Ikpeazu.

From left, President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, Justice Jerome Traore; Head of Information and Communications, Mr Sunny Ugoh and the Dean, ECOWAS Court of Justice, Mr Hameye Mahaimadane, at the close of the eighth judicial retreat of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, in Nasarawa, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

National confab delegates didn’t get N7m each —Bolaji Akinyemi Says SGF insulted delegates by calling them ‘boys’ From Bola Badmus and Victor Ogunyinka DEPUTY chairman, 2014 National Conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has reacted sharply to views expressed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir David Lawal, on why the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration cannot consider the report of the Confab, describing his views as crude, rude, offensive and unbecoming of the high office he occupied.

Akinyemi, who is also former Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave the reaction on Tuesday to an interview granted by the SGF, which was published in several national papers on Monday.

Speaking in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos, entitled, “Press Release on the Intemperate Language used by the Secretary to the Government of the Federal, Engr. Babachir David Lawal,” Professor Akinyemi said, “I have no quarrel with the SGF reiterating the opposition of government to the 2014 National Conference, but I find the language in which his views are couched to be crude, rude, offensive and unbecoming of the high office of state he occupies.”

According to him, to have referred to as “boys” eminent Nigerians, who served as members and delegates at the conference, including the Emir of Ilorin, the Lamido of Adamawa,

King Alfred Diete Spiff, the Gbong Gwom of Jos; various judges of the High Courts, former Chief of Defence Staff, a former Chief of Air Staff, three former foreign ministers, two former Senate Presidents, a former SGF, several SANs, several former governors, professors, among others is something that should not be condoned.

Akinyemi said that his own upbringing, diplomatic and scholar’s disposition would not allow him to yield to the temptation to call the SGF, by the name his own choice of words had reduced him to, adding that most of the delegates were people who had paid their dues in excellent manner while serving the country in various capacities.

“He referred to the delegates as ‘boys.’ Among the delegates are the Emir of Ilorin, the Lamido of Adamawa, King Alfred Diete Spiff, the Gbong Gwom of Jos, Emir of Yauri, Emir of Dutse, Emir of Askira, the Amanayabo of Nembe, various judges of the High Courts, Boys! Delegates included a former Chief of Defence Staff, a former Chief of Air Staff, three former Foreign Ministers, a former Inspector General of Police, two former Senate Presidents, a former SGF, several former ministers, several SANs, former governors, professors etc. Presiding was a former Chief Justice of Nigeria and a former Minister of External Affairs.

“Most of the delegates there were people who had

paid their dues, served this country in high and exalted positions, risked their lives in the civil war and other domestic insurrections and showed exceptional excellence in the performance of their duties, obviously more excellence than Lawal had demonstrated in his one year in office,” the former minister said.

Speaking further, the former deputy chairman of the 2014 National Conference denied that almost everybody in the committee got N7 million as quoted in the interview granted by Lawal,

urging the SGF, who he said had been in the same office that funded the Confab, “to send for the files to know that what members were paid is much less than N7 million per member.”

Professor Akinyemi, however, said he would not plead that the report of the conference be considered by the Buhari-led government as “governments come and governments go,” declaring that the problems would remain and every leader or follower would be judged by whether he was part of the solution or the problems.

In the appeal premised on five grounds, the PDP said that the trial court erred in law when it held that it had jurisdiction to hear the suit which was on whether Section 24 (f) of the 1999 Constitution was complied with.

“The honourable trial court misdirected itself when it construed the provisions of the PDP constitution to the detriment of the appellant without giving the appellant a chance to be heard and thereby occasioned miscarriage of justice.”

In the particulars of the error, the appellant said Ukeagbara and Mba being “the 1st and 2nd respondents in the appeal did not pray the trial court to construe the provisions of the PDP constitution.

“No evidence was led that the said Uche Sampson Ogah participated in the 2015 Abia State gubernatorial elections, yet the trial court declared him as winner of the said elections contrary to the express provisions of Section 141 of the Electoral Act, among other grounds.”

Consequently, the appellant urged the Court of Appeal for, “an order setting aside the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/10862014 delivered on the 27th day of June, 2016.”

Meanwhile, the first respondent, Obasi Ekeagbara, yesterday explained that the basis for Justice Abang’s sack of Ikpeazu was on supply of false tax information to INEC. He noted that the clarification became necessary in view of the widespread information in some sections of the media that the court decision was based on alleged forgery that was committed by Ikpeazu.

South-West PDP lashes FG on national conference, ambassadorial list Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Eddy Olafeso, on Tuesday, lashed out at the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, over his comments on the delegates and the reports of the 2014 National Conference.

Olafeso who described the statement credited to Babachir as not only sad and unfortunate, but should not come from an highly placed official of the Federal Government.

Olafeso, who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital while reacting to the statement credited to Babachir, said it would be wrong for anybody to describe the gathering of over 450 distinguished Nigerians as “just

food for the boys.”

He said “I am quite surprised that someone highly placed will come up with extreme vituperation on national issues that bother on the existence and survival of the country.

“It is sad to hear from a Nigerian at this very difficult time that National Conference was just food for the boys, where kings, emirs, notable Nigerians in all spheres of life sat for several months to discuss the wayforward for the country.

“These men sat for days to come out with over 600 recommendations for the country, which included true federalism, resource control, the existence of the country; and you as the SGF, an engineer, a former national vice chairman of a party, will come up and just destroy the entire efforts of

Nigerians, this is sad.”

The former Commissioner for Information in the state stressed the need for the country to move forward, urging those around President Muhammadu Buhari to allow him to face governance.

He also condemned the SGF on the exclusion of some states from the ambassadorial list sent to the Senate by the president.

He said “Why on earth will that be done without these states being considered? If it were during the PDP, the heavens will be made to fall; and now he can justify that kind of irresponsible action.

“Why is the Federal Character part of measures to ensure balance in our appointments? So, why on earth will he, as the SGF or overseeing the entire country, begins to make comments that can flagellate?

Nigerian Tribune

90% varsity students’ projects are plagiarised work —Varsity proprietor Clement Idoko - Abuja THE founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Mr Gregory Ibe, has expressed sadness that over 90 per cent of projects of university students in Nigeria are plagiarised work.

He said that since the coming of internet to Nigeria, the integrity of thesis and class assignments had become a subject of ridicule.

Ibe spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a one-day workshop on Blackboard e-learning for Nigerian universities.

He said: “Most students’ projects are almost 90 per cent ‘copy-and-paste’. Plagiarism has, unfortunately, become part and parcel of the Nigerian education system, even at the post graduate level.”

He told the vice chancellors at the workshop that “if treason is the biggest crime in the land, then plagiarism should also be the biggest crime in your schools.”

Ibe further stated that the Blackboard e-learning platform, if introduced into Nigerian universities, would improve the ranking of the institutions because research efforts of the universities would be visible online.

CFTZ to partner Navy, Army on maritime security Anthony Ubong - Calabar THE Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) has disclosed plans to partner the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School in Calabar, Cross River State, to maintain maritime security.

General Manager of the CFTZ, Godwin Okimba Ekpe, who disclosed this on Tuesday when he led CFTZ management team on a visit to two military formations in the state, said the partnership would help in boosting security along the Calabar waterways.

Ekpe said, “With more oil tank farms now operating in the zone, in addition to other huge investments, it is imperative that the management collaborate with the armed forces to prevent any unfortunate security incident.

“It is in view of the security challenges along our waterways that we have deemed it necessary to enter into this partnership which would go a long way in increasing surveillance on our waterways.”

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Lagosmetro Aluminum steel panels used for the construction of advertisement board attached to pedestrian bridge are falling off. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa

Ambode’s CSO leads special task force against Omo Onile Ayomide Owonibi odekanyin

Flooded Toll Gate pedestrian bridge due to leakages. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa

Worried by the recurring menace of land grabbers, popularly called Omo Onile, the Lagos State government, on Monday, inaugurated a five-man Special Task Force, including the Chief Security Officer to

Lagos begins sting operations against corrupt KAI officials •Top officers targeted Opeyemi Owoaseye

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orrupt officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) in Lagos are now being set up by the state government in sting operations, in order to be caught in the act.

One of the measures already deployed by government is to have intelligence officers dressed in mufti and deliberately break traffic codes and accept to give bribe when arrested.

Any officer who demands and collects such gratification will be immediately sanctioned while his immediate superior would also face the music alongside him.

The state government also concurred that some of the agency’s enforcement officials were not transparent.

Tribune photo-journalist (names withheld), alongside eight others, was compelled to part with N3,000 bribe recently for taking shots of unruly and corrupt KAI official, following his arrest and seizure of

his camera.

Those who didn’t have cash on them, including the photo-journalist, were compelled to make withdrawal from ATM cashpoint to buy their freedom after being delayed for hours.

Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, who revealed this during question time, at the monthly briefing on Tuesday, stated that, “We know that a few of the KAI officials are not transparent while discharging their duties, we know that some of them also accept bribe.

But we have started with certain measures to ensure that they are tracked down.

“One of it is that, we told some of our officials to dress in mufti while they cross the road and if any of the KAI officials arrest them, they should try to bribe them. Any one who accepts the bribe is in trouble and will have to face the wrath of the law.

“We will also deal with any top official who cannot checkmate the excesses of

the people working under them.”

Speaking on plans to tackle flooding, he explained that “We are always ready for the rainy season.

That is why we have started working on drainage channels, in order to ensure free flow of water to avert flooding. This will help us have a flood free, hygienic and beautiful environment.”

On waste disposal, Ade-

KAI officials on duty

jare said Lagos would be looking the China way.

“Considering the ever-rising of our mega city, we are going to upgrade the way we dispose debris. There are so many ways of disposing waste, in fact, we are looking at how we can also export some of these wastes to countries like China, which have a way of recycling them for other uses” he said.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Inaugurating the special task force, state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, warned that henceforth, the state government would bring the full wrath of the law on anybody caught forcibly taking another person’s land.

The terms of reference of the committee, he said, included: to reduce to a barest minimum the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property acquired through the state government or private transactions; to coordinate the efforts of the various agencies of government charged with enforcing the state government’s rights over land in Lagos and to work with all security agencies to ensure enforcement of state government and private property rights in Lagos State.

Kazeem explained that the state government decided to set up the task force in realisation that in recent years, the land grabbers had caused havoc and unrest in different parts of the state by dispossessing legitimate land owners of their properties and, thereby, stifling commercial activities in the state.

“It is, therefore, important that the state government not only identifies the effects of the problems being perpetrated by these unscrupulous elements on commercial activities and peace of the citizenry, but also find lasting solutions to the menace.” he said.

He stated further that the task force was also set up because of the need to protect investors and maintain law and order The task force includes a

deputy director in the Ministry of Justice, Mr Akinjide Bakare, who will serve as alternate chairman in the absence of the Attorney General; representative of the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Afolabi Abiodun; representatives of the Lands Bureau, Messrs Olayinka Adebayo and Faiq Abou.

Suspected sea pirates kill policeman in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo A yet-to-be identified set of gunmen, early Tuesday, killed a mobile police officer between Igando in Lagos State and Totowu in Igbesa area of Ogun State.

The policeman, simply identified as Wasiu, a sergeant, was until his death, attached to Mopol 43 unit in Lagos State.

The remains of the deceased policeman was later deposited at Crest Hospital, on Isuti Road, in Igando area of Lagos State.

The gunmen,suspected to be sea pirates, had reportedly attacked the deceased policeman and shot him repeatedly.

The case was later reported at Igando divisional police station, where investigations had commenced into the death.

The image maker in charge of the of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, insisted that the incident occurred in Ogun State.

Badmos, however, pointed out that the police in Lagos State would investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of the policeman.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole

08037863902 | olanreade@yahoo.com

Bricklayer to die by hanging for robbery Ayomide Owonibi odekanyin A bricklayer has been sentenced to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery by an Ikeja High Court.

Femi Adebowale was, on Tuesday, found guilty of a four-count charge of armed robbery and conspiracy preferred against him by the Lagos state government.

“In accordance with the provision of the law, you are, hereby, sentenced to death by hanging by the neck until death. May the Lord have mercy on us,” Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye ruled.

The Prosecution, Mr Akin George, had accused Adebowale of robbing one Alhaja Amuda Olowo-Eyo, of gold jewelries valued over N500,000.00, cash of N350,000.00 and other valuable documents at gun point.

The prosecutor said the convict, with others at large, robbed their victims on December 28, 2012 between 1.00 a.m. and 2.00 a.m at their residence, 10, Aiyetolu street, Abule Egba.

The convict, when arraigned last year, had pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.

During trial, the complainant , Alhaja Olowo-Eyo had told the court how the convict and others at large robbed her at her residence.

She had told the court that she and her family were gathered in their parlour and told that they would waste their lives if they refused to cooperate with them.

She said she identified the convict as being among bricklayers brought in by her landlord for the renovation of the house two days

before the incident.

She said after robbing them, her husband was able to pin one of the robbers down, a situation that gave her courage to also hold on to another robber next to her.

In order to free himself, she said the robber shot her twice in the chest, but that God kept her alive.

She said colleagues of

the convict, who escaped, came back 20 minutes later and rained bullets on their apartment.

She said one of her daughters was hit in the stomach, and on the back, while her son was hit on the thigh.

She said the incident was reported at Ile Epo Police station, while they were treated at the General Hospital in the area.

A 13-year-old boy (names witheld), was, on Tuesday, charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling the six-year-old daughter of his neighbour.

The accused, who is a student, lives with his parents at Iju Ishaga Area OF lagos

time on the day of the ceremony.

Citing several authorities, the trial judge noted that the evidence provided before the court by the complainant and her daughter, among other evidences, were not controverted by the defence, led by his counsel, Yemi Omodele.

Justice Ipaye said the prosecution proved their

charge of conspiracy as the act was carried out by more than one person.

She also said the prosecution proved the case of armed robbery against the convict.

Justice Ipaye sentenced the convict to death by hanging by the neck until death, stressing that the prosecution proved his case beyond reasonable doubt.

Businesswoman remanded, 2 others docked for alleged fraud Ayomide Owonibi odekanyin Two suspects; Nneka Okechukwu and Nkiru Celine Okor, have been docked before a Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, for alleged stealing and forgery.

Okechukwu and Okor, it was gathered, were alleged to have converted the sum of N119, 788, 610, proceeds of sale of shares of Blue Chip Companies belonging to the estate of the late Cyril N. Ukachukwu, to their own use.

The prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also accused them of selling shares to C.N Ukachukwu and Sons Limited and recovering the unclaimed dividends that accrued on the shares.

Another suspect, Helen Ogunnuwa, a businesswoman, was also arraigned by the anti-graft agency for alleged issuance of dud cheque.

The forgery suspects were also accused of doctoring the C.N. Ukachkwu and Sons Limited Board Resolution dated which they addressed to the Registrar, Zenith Registrars Limited,

purportedly signed by the company’s Managing Director, Ukachukwu Geoffery Jeff, Ukachukwu Benedict (Director), Ukacukwu Arinze Increase (Director) with one of the accused, (Nkiru Celine Okoro) claiming to be the Company Secretary.

When the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.

In view of the plea of the accused, prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Oyedotun, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case against the accused and to remand the accused in prison custody.

The defence counsel, Timothy Okonkwo and Kinsley Ngu, for the first and second defendants, informed the court of their bail applications dated June 21, 2016 and prayed the court to grant their applications.

Justice A.O Taiwo said the defendants would continue enjoying the administrative bail given to them by EFCC. The matter has been adjourned till June 30, 2016.

Meanwhile, Helen Ogun-

Minor accused of defiling 6-year-old girl Ayomide Owonibi odekanyin

Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Ipaye dismissed the alibi provided by the convict that he was away in Akure for his marriage introduction ceremony on the day of the incident.

She also described as not credible, the evidence provided by the supposed father in-law who told the court during trial that he met the convict for the first

State.

The prosecutor, Rafael Donny, a police sergeant, told the court that the offence was committed on June 6 at his parent’s residence.

Donny said the accused called the victim to his room and allegedly defiled her.

The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, granted the accused N250,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till July 20 for mention.

nuwa was accused of issuing a dud cheque of NN7, 369,600 million.

She was arraigned alongside her company, DenMoyek Nigeria Enterprise.

She pleaded not guilty.

In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, Oyedotun, asked for a trial date and to remand the defendant in prison custody.

However, the defence counsel, Joseph Oputei, asked the court to grant his client bail and to remand her in EFCC custody pending the ruling on her bail application.

Justice Taiwo remanded the suspect in EFCC custody and adjourned the case till June 30, 2016 for consideration of her bail application.

Dud cheque suspect

Video of collapsed Synagogue building shown in court Ayomide Owonibi odekanyin The video of the collapsed seven-storey building which collapsed within the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, was on Tuesday, shown in court.

The disaster killed 116 people, mostly South Africans.

The engineers facing trial for manslaughter charges are Akinbela Fatiregun and Oladele Ogundeji and the Board of Trustees of SCOAN. The video was shown in a crowded courtroom on the order of Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, after he admitted the footage as an evidence.

The footage showed an aircraft hovering above the building moments before it

collapsed.

During the proceedings on June 27, the defence team led by E.L. Akpofure had objected to the footage being admitted as evidence because it was “computer-generated, irrelevant and a copy of the original”.

Mr Akpofure had also noted that a witness for the state, Olutoyin Ayinde, a former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, had in his evidence, said he could not identify the contents of the compact disc containing the footage until he was allowed to watch it.

However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Mr. Lawal-Akapo dismissed Mr. Akpofure’s objection for lack of merit.

“I find no merit in the objections, they are overruled, the video clip and accompanying documents are admitted in evidence,’’ he ruled.

The case has been adjourned to Oct. 10, Oct. 11 and Oct.12 for continuation of trial.

Messrs. Fatiregun and Ogundeji alongside their companies — Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd and the trustees of the church are facing a 111-count charge bordering on gross negligence and criminal manslaughter.

The incident which occurred on Sept. 12, 2014, led to the death of 116 persons, 85 of who were South Africans.

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businessnews Banking industry remains strong —NDIC 10

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

•Lends N13.3trn to economy Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

A

total of 12,279 fraud cases were reported by insured Nigerian banks in 2015, the Annual Report of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has revealed.

This is as the report also disclosed that total loans and advances to the economy by the banks stood at N13.33 trillion in 2015, showing an increase of 5.56 per cent over the N12.63 trillion reported in 2014.

And in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRC), NDIC remitted N24,185,762,000 to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in during the period under review as against N15.38 billion in the previous year.

The Corporation’s operating surplus for 2015 stood at N30.23 billion as against N15.52 billion in 2014, according to the report.

The 12,279 fraud cases represented an increase of 15.71 per cent over the 10,612 fraud cases reported in 2014 but the amount involved decreased significantly by N7.59 billion or 29.63 per cent from N25.608 billion in 2014 to N18.021 billion in 2015.

“Similarly, the actual loss suffered by the insured banks decreased by N3.02 billion or 48.79 per cent from N6.19 billion in 2014 to N3.17 billion in 2015.

“The actual loss sustained in respect of internet banking fraud was N857 million, representing 27 per cent of total actual loss of the industry. There was an increase in the frequency of ATM/Card-Related Fraud cases from 7,181 in 2014 to 8,039 in 2015, an increase of 11.95 per cent .

“However, the loss suffered by the industry due to such frauds declined significantly by 59.4 per cent from previous year figure of N1.242 billion to N0.504 billion, representing 15.9 per cent of total industry loss to frauds and forgeries.

“Out of the 12,279 fraud cases reported by the DMBs, 425 cases were attributed to staff. The number of fraud cases perpetrated by staff had decreased from 465 in 2014 to 425 in 2015. Similarly, losses arising therefrom substantially decreased by 70 per cent from N3.165 billion in 2014 to N0.979 billion in 2015. The highest percentage of frauds and forgeries cases of 38.59 per cent was perpetrated by temporary staff”, the report indicated.

Liquidity position of the banking industry was strong

as its average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015. All the individual DMBs had liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent as at 31st December, 2015.

Operating profitably, though earnings and profitability deteriorated, unaudited profit-before-tax (PBT) of the banks stood at N588.86 billion as at 31st December, 2015 representing a decrease of 2.02 per cent over N601.02 billion reported as at 31st December, 2014.

In the same vein, total loans and advances to the economy stood at N13.33 trillion in 2015, which was an increase of 5.56 per cent

•Reported 12,279 fraud cases in 2015

over the N12.63 trillion reported in 2014.

“The non-performing loans to total loans ratio for the industry increased from 2.81 oer cent in 2014 to 4.87 per cent in 2015, but was within the regulatory threshold of five per cent,” it stated.

NDIC according to the report made cumulative payment of N6.796 billion to 426,324 insured depositors of the closed DMBs as at 31st December, 2015 as against N6.795 billion to 426,320 insured depositors in 2014.

It equally paid ?2.86 billion to 81,328 depositors of the closed MFBs as at 31st December, 2015 as against N2.77 billion paid to 80,178 depositors in

2014.

“Also, the NDIC made a cumulative payment of N45.05 million to 595 depositors of closed PMBs as at 31st December, 2015 as against N2.02 million paid to 30 depositors in 2014”, it continued.

The sum of N95.77 billion was paid as liquidation dividend to depositors of DMBs in 2015 compared to N94.74 billion as at December 31, 2014. That amount included the uninsured portion of private sector depositors of 11 out of the 13 banks closed post-bank consolidation which was funded by the CBN. The NDIC reduced the premium paid by banks by N9.09 billion in 2015 fol-

lowing the reduction of the premium base rate from 40 basis point to 35 for each DMB/NIB under the Differential Premium Assessment System (DPAS).

During the year under review, the corporation extended deposit insurance coverage to subscribers of mobile money operators (MMOs) via the concept of pass-through deposit insurance up to a maximum of N500,000.

The NDIC, in collaboration with the CBN, conducted the routine Risk Assessment of all the 24 DMBs while the NDIC conducted risk-based examinations of 205 micro finance banks (MFBs) and six primary mortgage institutions (PMBs).

From left: Product Manager, OTC, Femi Ajala; Astymin School Programme Coordinator, Yetunde Adesola; Marketing Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Friday Enaholo and Corporate Services Manager, Fidson, Health Plc, Oladimeji Oduyebo, during the press briefing to launch the 2016 edition of Astymin Brilliance reward (ABR) at the Fidson’ Corporate Head Office.

Market capitalisation down by N91bn Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

THE Nigerian equities market closed trade red on Tuesday as all indices shed weight to mark three days of loss after the announcement of the exit of Britain from the European Union

(EU).

The major market indicator, All Share Index (ASI) depreciated by 0.89 per cent to close at 29,575.24 basis point as against 29,840.23 recorded at the close of trade on Monday, while market capitalisation closed at N10.2 trillion af-

ter it lost N91 billion.

Cautious trading dipped market turnover as volume declined by 31.97 per cent against 15.59 per cent decline recorded in the previous session.

Market breathe also closed on the negative side when compared with Mon-

Naira closes at N282.3 at interbank market Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

THE naira-dollar exchange rate on Tuesday ended at N282.32 to the dollar, slightly weaker than Monday’s close of N282.

This is even as Nigeria plans to raise N94 billion ($330 million) in shortdated Treasury bills with 3-month to 1-year maturities on July 6, the central bank said on Tuesday.

The bank said it will raise N19 billion of the 3-month debt, N25 billion of the 6-month and N50 billion of the 1-year.

The Naira exchanged for

N371.6 against the British pounds and N319.24 against the Euro at the interbank market on Tuesday.

The CBN sold an undisclosed amount of dollars on Tuesday. However, the interbank market traded a total volume of $32 million just before the market closed which traders attributed to central bank’s intervention.

Reuters quoted one trader as saying that “Liquidity is still relatively thin,” adding that clients were waiting to see where the naira settles eventually before they start to participate in the market.

Nigeria stopped peg on the naira to allow the currency to trade freely on the interbank market but thin liquidity has hampered activity, traders say, leaving the central bank as the main supplier of hard currency.

Currency traders on Monday said they had tightened the differential between bids and offers to N0.5 from one naira set when the currency was floated last week, to try to boost trading and attract liquidity.

Prior to old exchange rate peg, the currency market traded on N0.5 spreads, they said.

day outlook as 15 gainers emerged against 24 losers at the end of trading activities on Tuesday.

Specifically, blue chip stocks loss drove the indices down as Total Plc led the decliners on the chart, measured by value, as it lost N10 from its share price to close at N190 per share.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc also shed N5.01 kobo from its share value to close at N849.99 kobo per share, while Nigerian Breweries Plc’s stocks depreciated to N140 per share having lost N4 from each unit.

Guiness Plc closed red at N106.4 per share after losing N3.50 kobo, while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc lost 68 kobo to end trade at N22.32 kobo per share.

NEM Insurance Plc led the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume spike at the end of trading session as it staked 1.2 million shares in 18 deals.

DESG set to drive private sector investments Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

IN line with the diversification focus of the present government, the Delta Economic Summit Group, DESG, is to host its maiden economic discourse, entitled “Bridging the Investment Gap in Delta State.”

With its vision to become the principal private sector led think tank and advocacy group in economic development, DESG aims to promote improved collaboration between the state government and the private sector through its June 30, event.

Speaking at a press briefing heralding the summit, Chukwuka Monye, the Director General of DESG said the group felt it was time to take Delta State to the next investment level, rather than depending on government for everything.

“We have listed sectors to focus because creating opportunities for everyone to interact is critical for bridging the investment gap in the state. There are a lot of resources in Delta State that needs development.

“Based on our relations so far with the state government, it is clear that a lot of work has been done by the government, although the awareness within the private sector is not there,” he said.

NIMASA to block leakages with technology Tyavzua Saanyol-Abuja

THE Director General of Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, Dakuku Peterside, has disclosed the agency’s commencement of technology initiations to block all revenue leakages affecting the growth of the maritime industry.

Several former chief executives of the agency including other management staff are currently being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud with some already convicted.

Dakuku made the disclosure while receiving members of the Lagos Chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), who paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

The DG noted that technology is dynamic and NIMASA is always willing to avail itself to technological changes.

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Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

2016 budget: We’ll have extensive consultation on implementation —Udoma •Says FG committed to speedy recovery of economy Sanya Adejokun with agency report

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he Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, has said that the ministry will embark on extensive consultation in implementing the 20l6 national budget.

Udoma made the statement while answering questions from newsmen at the 2016 Annual Public Lecture of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in Abuja on Tuesday.

“We already indicated that in terms of our medium term plan, we are going to have extensive consultations. We are going to consult the NASS (National Assembly), civil society; organised interest groups and the general public because we want to make sure that the input of all Nigerians are captured in developing our plans.

Some areas have been indicated that we could improve upon and so we will take all that into account as we move forward,” he said.

The minister explained that the strategic implementation plan was meant for the 2016 budget and the time frame would be the fiscal year of the budget.

He explained that the strategic implementation plan had up until May 2017 to be implemented as provided in the Act by the National Assembly.

“We are also strengthening our linkages with all the MDAs. We have actually recruited additional people to also help us in doing that because a budget is only as good as the implementation and the implementation is strengthened by your ability to monitor.

“As I indicated, we are not going to release capital automatically every quarter, it will be based on performance and that performance can only be determined by strengthening our monitoring,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Government is committed to strengthening the linkage between development plans and budgeting processes to ensure better implementation of projects and programmes towards speedy recovery of the economy.

Udoma said the various agencies of government entrusted with responsibilities are vigorously pursuing their respective mandates to achieve the common goal of economic recovery and sustainable development.

Justifying the linkage of planning and budgeting, Udoma said many countries that have successfully trans-

formed their economies have done so with the use of well implemented budgets designed in accordance with their strategic plans.

He noted that failure to link policies, plans and budgets may be the single most important factor contributing to poor planning and budgeting outcomes in many developing countries.

“Countries where the planning process is fragmented and not adequately aligned with the annual budgeting process experience difficulty in implementing clear and consistent national policies. This has been the Nigerian experiences”, he pointed out.

He admitted that Nigeria has not done well in ensuring that budget outcomes achieved planned targets, which is why according to him, President

Muhammadu Buhari took the decision to merge the National Planning Commission and the Budget Office of the Federation to form the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

Delivering a lecture titled “Strengthening the Budget-Plan link for inclusive development in Nigeria,” a renowned Professor of Economics and past President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Mike Obadan, said given the structures on ground, Nigeria can still achieve sustainable growth and development within a short period if only government can develop the commitment and political will to implement development plans in a disciplined manner.

Obadan said although the relevant structures have been put in place by

the current administration, commitment and discipline will ultimately determine the outcome of its efforts.

Pointing out that poor and distorted implementation has been the major bane of planning activities in Nigeria over the years, Professor Obadan said a plan document is of little use to the citizens if it is not faithfully implemented.

A related challenge to the budget-plan link, he also pointed out, was the lack of continuity and commitment to agreed policies, programmes and projects; a situation he said is reflected in the production of various plan documents routinely disregarded by succeeding governments over the years.

He noted that the country has been experiencing a weak plan-budget link over

a very long period because of plan indiscipline and deficient institutional arrangements for planning and budgeting.

Although Obadan applauded the Buhari administration for merging the Budget Office and the National Planning Commission, which he said was a critical step on the path to achieving effective integration of plans and budgets, he insisted that the merger must be made to work if it is to achieve the purpose.

According to him, concerted efforts must be made to implement plans using the budget as the basic instrument; advising that a bottom-up approach to planning should be adopted to foster inclusive growth and development.

Among others, he suggested the need for ad-

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) in a handshake with former Minister of Industry, Chief Kola Jamodu, at the breaking of Ramadan Fast hosted by the Presidency on Monday.

636 YouWin members get N1.6bn Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

THE Federal Government has expressed its desire to continue with the Youth Enterprise which innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) even as it pays N1.687 billion to 638 awardees this month for the programmes third edition.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

However, the Federal Government is set to start consultations with beneficiaries and other stakeholders on the restructuring and refocusing of the multi-billion naira with the objective of injecting new ideas for its sustainability.

The statement added

that so far, grants totaling N7.4 billion have been disbursed to the awardees and that this month alone, N1.687 billion was paid to 638 awardees in the third edition of the programme.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun said government was considering a considerable reduction in the amount currently being given to individual winners of the programme.

According to her, “currently, FG gives winners N10m as a grant, that is a lot of money that will not come back to FG, so we need to make sure that these funds create sustainable enterprises that create jobs. We also need to look at whether the figure should be N10m

to one winner or N1m each to 10 winners.”

The ministry, which has been running the programme from inception, has scheduled the consultation for July 22, 2016 in Abuja, where representatives of the beneficiaries drawn from the six-geo-political zones and other stakeholders would chart a way forward for the programme.

Under the programme which took off in 2011, a total of 18, 000 young entrepreneurs have been trained in various aspects of Small and Medium Enterprises management and business skills; and 3, 900 of them, including 1, 200 women, were each given non-repayable take-off

grants for businesses of their choice ranging from N1 million up to a maximum of N10 million.

Adeosun disclosed that as part of the change agenda of the current administration, the YouWin programme has to be restructured to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability in investing the capital grants given to the beneficiaries by the Federal Government.

She said all FG commitments under the YouWIN programme will be fully met, but due diligence would be carried out on every beneficiary, using tools like the Bank Verification Number (BVN), and before disbursements.

equate linkage and harmonization among the medium-term plans and frameworks and the annual budget, as well as institutionalizing incorrupt and efficient administration.

He emphasized that in the context of effective planning and budgeting, there was need to strengthen capacities and capabilities in the form of human capital, as well as provide for safety nets in order to achieve inclusive development.

CPC lauds MultiChoice for complying with consumer protection orders The Consumer Protection Council (CPC), on Tuesday, lauded MultiChoice Nigeria for complying with all its orders given after the conclusion of its investigation into the activities of multinational’s Digital Satellite Television (DStv).

The Council also declared that its intervention into the activities of businesses through its sectoral investigation was to engender consumer confidence and to make genuine businesses more profitable.

The Council’s DirectorGeneral, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, who made the disclosure at a press conference, jointly addressed by the Council and MultiChoice Nigeria in Lagos, asserted that Tuesday’s news conference, “is a clear indication that if businesses will play by the rules and render satisfactory services to consumers, they will be validated by the CPC.” Mrs. Atoki, while describing the pay-television company’s compliance as “a model”, emphasised that “the intervention of CPC in any business is not only to ensure consumer satisfaction by engendering value for money, but also has the long-term effect of instilling consumer confidence in products and services and making genuine businesses more profitable”.

While commenting on the action on MultiChoice, she referred to a self-imposed maxim of “regulating without strangulating business”, submitting that “the investigation of MultiChoice Nigeria embodies the win-win outcome that this maxim represents, as it gives consumers value for money and henceforth, projects the services of MultiChoice Nigeria in a better light.”

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editorial

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Wednesday, 29June, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Niki Tobi (1940-2016)

HE nation has just recorded a monumental loss in the judiciary with the demise of Honourable Justice Niki Tobi JSP (retd). Niki Tobi, an erudite scholar and judicial czar, bade farewell to this terrestrial plane on June 19, 2016. Born on July 14, 1940 in Esanma, Bomadi Local Government Area in the present-day Delta State, Niki Tobi was a professor of Law; Dean, Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Services), University of Maiduguri, prior to his appointment to the bench in the Rivers State Judiciary in 1985. His reputation for outstanding legal erudition and robust knowledge of legal principles and procedure must have derived from the intimidating intellectual background which he brought to bear on his assignments at the trial and appellate courts in the land.

By his own account, the fine jurist’s journey to the bench was rather fortuitous. This is understandable because you do not need to reach the zenith of your academic career as professor of law in order to become a judge of the high court. He admitted that his chance encounter, shortly after he was appointed Professor of Law, with A.G. Karibi-Whyte ( JSP); his undergraduate law lecturer at the University of Lagos, then a judge of the Supreme court, started his advent to the bench.

Karibi-Whyte had reportedly impressed it on him to consider a career switch to become a judicial officer sometimes in November 1984.

However, he was reluctant and he hesitated for three months before getting back to the senior judge who promptly recommended him to Justice Donald Graham Douglas, then the Chief Judge of Rivers State, for appointment as a judge of the High Court in 1985.

He was later elevated to the Court of Appeal and, in 2002, he became a judge of the Supreme Court where he held the fort and made his mark until he retired in 2010 at the mandatory age of 70.

The human rights community and, in particular, the women and children rights protection and advocacy segment, will forever remember the deceased jurist

for two of his verdicts that have helped the cause of human rights and rule of law in Nigeria. In Mojekwu Vs. Mojekwu, the erudite jurist invoked the provisions of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) established by the United Nations in 1982 to uphold equality between men and women. Also in Mrs Mary Okonkwo vs. ACB, Justice Tobi ruled that it was unconstitutional and illegal to arrest a mother in lieu of her son.

An eminent and wonderful jurist, Niki Tobi was a profound legal mind whose deep appreciation and identification of issues for determination in complex matters was usually swift and impeccable. He was a wordsmith; a delight to watch and listen to while deploying colourful and flowery language to buttress salient points in his judicial pronouncements. Not a few lawyers who had appeared before him considered Niki Tobi to be one of the finest jurists to have adorned the Supreme Court and whose courageous and unequivocal judgments have helped to mould the country’s legal architecture and jurisprudence.

It will be recalled that Honourable Justice Tobi was one of the majority of four justices of the apex court who upheld the validity of the 2007 presidential election in the case of Buhari vs. Yar’Adua. He actually read the leading judgment which put paid to the anxiety that pervaded the polity in the aftermath of that election and the ensuing disputation. Perhaps, this highly cerebral and intellectually sound jurist’s biggest assignment in the service of his country was the comprehensive and painstaking review of the 1999 draft constitution whose adoption by the then military government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar prepared the ground for the advent of the Fourth Republic.

Justice Niki Tobi, a thoroughbred professional who served his country with dedication and commitment and left an indelible mark in the nation’s legal landscape, will be sorely missed by all. We join the rest of Nigeria in saying: May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

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Unemployment: Nigerian youths should be creative

W

HEN the Federal Government anno u nc e d that it would be employing 500,000 teachers so as to reduce the unemployment rate in the country, the website through which the applications were to be made crashed under 24 hours.

This was as a result of the huge traffic to the site; the meaning of this is that millions of people visited the site, trying to apply for the teaching jobs.

We should also not forget the over one million youths who applied to join the police when the organisation only wanted to recruit 10,000 people.

The death of innocent Nigerian youths during the recruitment by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) two years ago is still fresh in our minds. All these tell us that youth unemployment is a big problem in the country, and I want to partly lay the blame at the feet of youths.

It is unfortunate that the

majority of Nigerian youths are uncreative. Everybody knows the situation of the country as regard unemployment, and I feel some youths could have started something even while still in tertiary institutions.

Most enterpreneurial ventures need time to stabilise, and when someone starts a project when he is in 200 level in the university for instance, then by the time he graduates, he should have something to fall back on if he can’t secure paid employment after his service year.

Nobody should say this is impossible because I personally know a friend who passed through university rearing pigs. In fact, this friend admits that he would not have been a graduate without his pig farm, and today, despite the fact that he works with a state government, he is still operating his pig farming. He believes with time, he can turn the farm into a big business.

One thing our youths need to know is that agriculture

is the easiest sector to start something; the fact that people must eat makes the sector vibrant.

However, the Federal and state governments will also share in this unemployment blame. Everyday, we hear that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has earmarked billions of naira to support farmers in the country, but at the end of the day, the farmers will not see the money.

This is also being used by some corrupt people to defraud poor farmers, as they make them pay some money in order to be able to access the released funds, but nothing will be given at the end of the day.

The rates and conditions banks give to small-scale farmers are also not fair enough; how can a struggling farmer be asked to pay double digit interest rates for loans?

If we truly want to boost agriculture in the country, then banks will need to re-

duce the rates to single digits.

The Nigerian government should know that agriculture is big business all over the world, and it can use it to

reduce unemployment drastically.

While believing that Nigerian youths will now start to look inward instead of searching for paid jobs, the

government should also play its role by supporting agricultural start-ups.

•Dr Taju Alalade, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Brexit: A call to Nigerian politicians WHEN the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU) last week, not many anticipated that the vote could also split the country.

While England and Wales voted to leave, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London voted to remain part of the EU. Now, Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, is saying she would soon be meeting with EU officials to discuss how her nation can remain part of the union.

Also, some people are already suggesting that London, the capital city, which is the world’s financial capital, could secede from England. The fact that London

has 8.5million people, more than the population of Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and some other EU countries, make that theory possible.

However, the most painful part is that Mr David Cameron, a fine politician, will go down in history as the man who led the UK out of the EU, and possibly, as the person who brought about the disintegration of the UK. Whatever is the case, politicians in developed countries respect the voices of the people, and that is why the referendum will stand.

There was no doubt about whether the true opinions of the people will reflect in the

vote.

In 2014, the people of Scotland also had a referendum in which they opted to remain in the UK. Western politicians know they are bound by the opinions of their people, and that is why David Cameron could resign after he lost the referendum to the Leave team.

As a result of this, I want to call on Nigerian politicians to also come together to discuss how Nigerians want to be governed, as this will go a long way in solving our national problems.

•Nicolas Adeh, Asaba, Delta State.

On bailout for states I want to urge state governments, particularly those in the South Western part of the country, to use the new bailout fund being granted by the Federal Government to pay the gratuities of retirees.

Retirees who had served state governments for several years are not finding it easy as they are being owed several months of pension arrears, as well as gratuities. The last bailout raised

our hopes, but we only got just a month of arrears.

I, therefore, hope that the state governors will use this new bailout to clear the backlog of arrears and gratuities of pensioners.

Senior citizens in this country are suffering, and I hope President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also a retiree, can come to our aid.

•Taiwo Adejumo, tt_dejumo@gmail.com

Appeal to NDA THE Niger Delta Avengers should allow peace to reign in the Niger Delta. As a result of their activities, our farmlands are being polluted, while fish farmers can no longer go to the waters to fish.

Apart from that, our people no longer feel safe because of the influx of soldiers into the region.

We can never achieve our vision with violence; a good example is Syria.

When the people tried to revolt against the Bashar Al-Assad regime, little did they know that it would

turn into a full scale war.

Today, Syrians are refugees all over the world, and if they could turn back the hand of time, they wouldn’t have revolted against the regime.

I hope the militants in the region will give peace a chance because they are doing no one any good with their violent activities.

The Federal Government should also quickly convene a meeting with the militants in order to bring an end to the crisis.

•Tuope Henry, Port Harcout.

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opinion

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Muhammed Ali: Refuse to be defined by others

By Tola Adeniyi

M

ANY comments and commentaries had trailed Muhammad Ali’s glorious exit as he began his next journey in the continuum. His larger-than-life life received the most inspiring eulogies and elegies of all time as his actions, activities and activism confirmed his self acclaimed class as the world’s greatest. His pugilism, his heroism, his poetry, his philosophy, his accurate predictions and even his humanism would pale into second or third level of his own barometer when compared with the lessons he taught with his life.

I can not now remember what I gained or gathered from my personal interactions with him when I was privileged to be his Guide when he was guest of the Western state government in 1971 in Ibadan. I was Information/Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Information and Culture. What I do remember is that his persona was a story by itself. If you looked him in the face, what you got was a statement like ‘this guy is a specimen of the best in human creation with a message for the whole of humanity’. Humble, playful, humorous and eloquent, Muhammad Ali electrified his environment with a dazzling and mesmerising presence.

However, it was the lessons that his life preached and taught that would form the core areas of this piece. And identification with one’s personal story may not be out of place. One of my commonest sayings which in fact is the signature of one of my e-mails is “do not submit your happiness to the whims and caprices of others’. Too often and for too long, mankind has been preoccupied with concern about and responses to what others think of them. They allowed others to direct and choose how far fat or thin they should be, how long or short their skirts or trousers should be, how short or tall their shoes should be or how big or small their boobs or buttocks should be. Whether they should marry one wife or ten wives depends largely on what society would say about them. Some people even go to the church or mosque because they do not want their neighbours to think they are irreligious!

Muhammad Ali’s life says it would not have any of those. His given name, imposed on him like on all of us at birth, Cassius Clay was considered a slave name and so Ali chose his own name fully conscious of its meaning and its religious and political relevance. I was registered as Saheed Al-Azeez [Ijebunized as Seidi Lasisi] when I began my journey in the Primary school.

But by the time I got to Secondary School at age 13, [3 years after I had graduated from the Quranic school], I told my father of

blessed memory that I would rather go with my Yoruba names instead of Arab names, so I took the names my two grandfathers gave me at birth Adetola and Babatunde and capped them with my great grandfather’s name Adeniyi, thus affirming my real identity and Yorubaness.

Before his time, a huge majority of the people of African descent who were de facto US citizens including the African aborigines who were natives of the Americas before Europeans got there to steal their land were treated as ‘nobodies’. Muhammad Ali by his life style and body language refused to be treated as nobody and totally rejected the inferiority tag stuck to his chocolate-brown skinned fellow Americans. It was not just in words or by words. It was just not on stage or off stage. Ali gave ‘somebodiness’ to his person and to his race by the totality of his personality. He commanded by everything imaginable that the African, like all other human beings on the surface of the Earth deserve the same quality of respect and reckoning.

Even the state could not ram unlawful laws down his throat.

The state is given powers by the people to regulate the conduct of a given society as would benefit the generality of the people.

Ali says if that state wants to ruin your life or destroy the people by its wrongheadedness, you should stoutly say ‘No!’ regardless of the consequences. Yes, damn the consequences. That is Ali’s way. So, when the war mongering government of his country called him to get drafted into Vietnamese war, Ali refused knowing fully well that the consequences would be severe. He said he had no quarrel with the Vietnamese! Why should he be sent to bomb them? This was another huge lesson Ali taught the world and refused the US the pleasure of choosing for him who and who should be his enemies.

He was a man of faith. His was not a religion chosen by his parents, or a copycat from neighbours, or just a desire to join the Joneses because brainwashing has made it fashionable, it was a faith that he chose after sober reflection and what he believed would best define him as a free-born. His faith taught him peace and he made the pursuance of peace the corner stone of his world view.

Celebrities and highly successful people all over the world tend to look down on the so-called down-trodden and the deprived. Ali says every human being is equal before their Creator and therefore refused to allow power, position, affluence, influence and world-wide popularity to sway him to the whims and caprices of the equally blessed. He chose instead to stay with the poor and the lowly and in them and with them he found ready, comfortable and enduring identification.

Ali chose his career. Fate had a hand in it though, because if his bicycle had not been stolen may be fate would have made him pursue a different career course. But having identified boxing as a suitable career for himself he put his energy, mind and soul into it. And even when he was stripped of his title and banned from boxing, he came back to it the moment the Supreme Court squashed all the draconian impediments. He proved to the world that he knew what was best suited for him and lived by it.

Ali did not wait for anybody to appoint him global ambassador, he did not wait for anybody to acclaim him ‘the greatest’, he did not wait for anybody’s endorsement to call himself ‘beautiful’, he always knew who he was and what he wanted the world to know him or call him by. He did not wait for any one to define him, he defined himself and challenged any one to think otherwise of his identity.

Muhammad Ali loved his children and gave them the best guidance any decent father would give their child. His children’s various testimonies confirmed that. What he also did was to imbibe the culture of independence and self confidence in each of his children and taught them to stand for whatever they believed in and held dear. In all of these, he was not aping the warped values of fellow American elites who preferred spoiling their children until they got rotten and suicidal.

There is no word adequate enough, big enough, great enough, beautiful enough or encompassing enough to describe the virtues, the values, and the humaneness of Muhammad Ali. His life was an incredibly uniquely scripted book which he envisioned by himself, designed by himself, scripted by himself and threw open at the shelf of all mankind for every one to learn from. By being himself, and remaining himself even in the face of all the unkind buffetings of his later life, vagaries that can confront any being, Ali taught the world that man, any man worth his salt should be his own man and insist on being what he should be called as self defined and not what anybody else would rather want him to be.

•Chief Adeniyi is a veteran journalist.

Buhari’s foreign policy: Boosting Nigeria’s image abroad

By Aliyu Abdullahi SINCE Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, the country has pursued a foreign policy with an alignment to the West, with the exception in the periods of both late Generals Murtala Mohammed and Sani Abacha, which saw the country moving to the East. President Muhammadu Buhari, who assumed office last year as a democratically-elected president of Nigeria, has taken some new directions in his administration’s foreign policy, largely in line with his party’s campaign manifesto, which promised the electorate that Nigeria’s national interest will guide his foreign policy, after which his administration will focus on the sub-region of West Africa.

True to the words of the president, immediately after taking oath of office, he wasted no time in embarking on a high level diplomatic mission to the Lake Chad countries to drum up support for the fight against insurgency, that nearly overwhelmed his predecessor’s administration. Worthy of note is that the president has not deviated from his three cardinal agenda (fight against insecurity, corruption, economy/job creation) even in his foreign policy implementation.

This can easily be tracked from the president’s foreign travels, which have to do with the fight against corruption and negotiations to repatriate Nigeria’s money stashed abroad back to the country, which have since been yielding results, to securing international commitment in the fight against terrorism, that has become a global phenomenon. And finally, to finding ways of making Nigeria an economically viable country through diversification from oil dependency, and the increase in its technological advancement.

For all these efforts, the president was heavily-criticised by the opposition party and some pessimists, who do not seem to understand the importance of high level diplomacy. But he knew too well that a call to serve as the highest officer in the land would entail personal sacrifice of his comfort and that of his home. So, the president, for the first time in Nigeria’s foreign policy history, decided to try winging it from the left and to

the right by embracing the West and the East (China) in order to achieve those three cardinal agendas he promised the country, hence the double edge sword of the foreign policy unleashed.

Missing in the criticism of President Buhari’s management of foreign policy is an analysis of the lessons learned, if any, from the interactions so far with the outside world. Without doubt, there is a surfeit of lessons to draw from these interactions.

Take China, for instance, a country that has transformed itself from an agrarian economy to the second largest economy in the world in the past 30 years.

In 1978, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita stood at a mere US$200. By 2015, and with a population of about 1.3 billion, the country’s GDP per capita had jumped to US$18,000. How has China managed to achieve this quantum leap? It is a product of a combination of factors, such as purposeful leadership, clarity of vision, among others.

The unwavering commitment of President Buhari to the three priority areas that defined his electoral campaigns and now his first year in office is not in doubt. Needless to say, it is too early in a four-year term to subject this commitment to a negative analysis when he has only done a quarter of his journey as president.

China’s experience points to the invaluable role of national dedication to a defined goal, at the level of leadership and followership. National development cannot take place as a stop-go

undertaking. All hands must be on deck and all eyes on the ball at all times. Failing this, there are bound to be bumpy or disastrous crashes along the way.

Again, we can see in China the place of discipline in all facets of national life. A strong leadership, coupled with a clear vision, commitment and dedication can, however, be undermined by the absence of discipline. No society can grow or thrive on the back of indiscipline.

A further lesson from China relates to the coherence of policy as elixir for national development and renewal. For too long, Nigeria has toyed with incoherent on-again, off-again national policies. It is important that the policies that are put in place are not only coherent, but are also consistent in nature, both in conceptualisation, and more importantly, in their implementation.

A final lesson from China that this article seeks to draw from is the unabashed, single-hearted devotion to a national philosophy. It doesn’t matter what one calls this philosophy, but it is of utmost importance to situate national development in the context of an underpinning philosophy. The West has remained true to the tenets of capitalism. China too makes no bones about her commitment to her brand of communism. This principle has served others, China inclusive. It can also serve Nigeria well if serious thought is given to adopting a national philosophy to guide our development.

The extensive reference to China is to demonstrate what a country and people can do if certain prerequisites are met. What is obvious is that China has remained consistent and resolute in her pursuit of national development. Other countries have their success stories to share.

President Buhari has the onerous task of ensuring that in managing Nigeria’s affairs, he strikes the right balance between the domestic scene, that is characterised by myriad challenges, and what some analysts call internal contradictions, and an external environment that is competitive, dynamic, fluid and volatile at the same time.

•Abdullahi, a legal practitioner, lives in Abuja.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

SEGELUULU

CHURCH BOY

FUNOLOGY

Nuhu Ribadu •

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was born on November 21, 1960.

He is an indigene of Adamawa State, Nigeria.

•

He studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, from 1980 until 1983, receiving a Bachelor of Laws degree. Following a year at the Nigerian Law School, he was called to Bar in 1984. He also earned a Master of Laws degree from the same university. He is a TED Fellow and a Senior Fellow in St. Anthony’s College, University of Oxford, UK.

•

He was the pioneer Executive Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the government commission tasked with countering corruption and fraud.

•

The then Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed him to the chairmanship of the EFCC in 2003 and reappointed him in 2007, as well as promoting him to the position of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

A

B

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

inside

nigerdelta

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Okowa ‘weeps’ over late mum’s picture at commissioning Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba

I

T was a deep emotion for Governor Ifeanyi as he ‘wept’ on opening the veil of a plaque while commissioning an hospital in his maternal community, Abavo, Delta State, having found the picture of her late mother, Victoria, who died in 1982.

The governor was taken aback at the contributions of the mother to his well-being through the thick and thin of life and her heart of encouragement to a son who later became the best medical student in his set at the University of Lagos.

Madam Victoria Okowa (1938 – 1982) established the first private maternity in Abavo and in appreciation of her feat, the Abavo community thought that the best way to honour such a woman was to recall her memorial during the official commissioning of the state hospital in the town, by presenting her picture to the authority.

“The Abavo people almost made me to cry when they made me to open a plaque only to see the picture of my late mother,” Governor Okowa said, in an emotion-laden voice, to the audience that gathered as he rounded off his one month of commissioning of projects to mark one year in office.

Situated in the agrarian and silent community of Abavo, the facility was initiated as a cottage hospital in 2004 by the Chief James Ibori administration.

Construction work started in 2005 when Dr Ifeanyi Okowa was the commissioner for health in the state.

Throughout his government tenure in the state and as a Senator, Okowa tried to ensure the hospital was completed, but there were challenges.

Despite all efforts he made while at the

Senate to bring life into the hospital, the challenges still persisted even as structures at the site decayed steadily.

Providence, however, smiled on the community as if the hospital was waiting for Okowa to become governor of the state in order to complete the facility.

“It was like the hospital was waiting for me to become governor so that it could be completed,” Okowa, echoed while cutting the tape to formally declare it open.

From the cottage status, the hospital was upgraded to an ultra-modern one, making it one of the best among the 62 general hospitals in the state. The state also has a teaching hospital and four hundred and thirty health centres.

With beautiful landscaping, the internal and links road to the hospital were also completed with solar street lights.

The entire Abavo communities at the commissioning came out enmass to appreciate their son for a job well done and

for reducing the hardship the people faced when seeking medical services far way from their place.

“The completion of the general hospital will no doubt put to an end the long journeys to far distances for good medical services by the people of Abavo”, Chairman, Ika South Local Government Area, Barrister Fred Ofume, said.

In appreciation, the community presented a cow and twenty tubers of yam as a token to the governor.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (3rd right); State PDP Chairman, Barrister Kingsley Esiso (2nd right); Honourable Anthony Elekeokwuri (3rd left); Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge (2nd right); Honourable Martins Okonta (left) and Others, during the Commissioning of General Hospital Abavo, Delta state.

‘Exclusion programme responsible for communities/oil companies conflicts’ Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

WORRIED by the recurring cases of conflicts between host communities and oil multinationals, the Paramount Ruler of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, has attributed it to the exclusion programme of the management of oil firms in the Niger Delta region.

This, the monarch said while speaking with journalists in his domain in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Dakolo was emphatic that the age-long conflicts that had claimed several lives and

left oil facilities destroyed could have been nipped in the bud, if operators of oil multinationals had adopted an all inclusive programme that would stimulate growth and development of the communities and people hosting their facilities.

He said: “The exclusion programme is no longer fashionable as it retards development, claims innocent lives and destroys mutual trust needed for smooth operation, amicable and harmonious relationship between oil companies and host communities in the Niger Delta.

Dakolo averred that the refusal to ad-

Piracy: NCC raids Delta, destroys items worth over N4m Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri THE Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), last weekend, said it had destroyed cables and decoders worth over N4 million from illegal operators of terrestrial television services in Delta State.

NCC director of enforcement, Mr Anthony Amodu, disclosed this to journalists in Warri.

According to him, the items were seized and destroyed under a heavy security provided by heavily armed mobile policemen during the commission’s enforce-

ment of the anti-piracy law in Aladja, Udu Local Government Area of the state.

Amodu said that piracy was worse at Aladja town, host of the moribund Delta Steel Company (DSC).

He added that the trade was illegal, adding that cable piracy was a crime punishable under the law.

He vowed that NCC was poised to stamp out the practice in the country. ‘’Cable piracy has been going on for long in different parts of the country and NCC is determined, more than ever before, to fight it to its barest minimum.

here to international standard practice of giving host a sense of belonging must be re-invigorated, adding that cases of failed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing operation must be discontinued for peace to prevail.

He berates the attitude of some oil firms that would keep their host communities in darkness, while their expatriate workers enjoyed uninterrupted power supply powered by generating set.

Continuing, he noted that others tarred the road leading to their camp and operational sites and show little or no concern to the deplorable roads that were less than 5km distance within the communities.

Aside, Dakolo regretted that oil spills caused by aged rustic pipes overdue for replacement and which were not cleaned up, had desecrated arable farmlands, destroyed aquatic organism and posed serious health challenges.

According to him, unclean oil spills have thrown many out of their natural occupation of farming, fishing and canoe making which is their means of livelihood.

Dakolo posited that if oil multinationals decided to promote peace within their host communities, it would promote peace around their operations and facilit-

ies, even as he called on oil firms to re-invigorate its scholarship and employment programme to carry indigent along in the scheme of things.

To this end, he reiterated the need for the management of oil firms to turn a new leaf and evolve programme of inclusion as against the exclusion programme with the propensity to create crisis that would adversely affect their operations within the communities.

CREW

Dapo Falade -Rivers 08078891924 lasep09@gmail.com Ebenezer Adurokiya -Delta 08060113609 ebenezeradurokiya@gmail.com Banji Aluko - Edo 08067030572 adebanjialuko@yahoo.com Austin Ebipade - Bayelsa 08065400743 austinebipade@gmail.com Alphonsus Agborh 08035838703 Ajayi Joseph 08107754190 syntacticjoe@yahoo.com

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

By Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Harmony of the seas brings big adventures to Barcelona ROYAL Caribbean International’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, sends off the cruise line’s newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, as she departed on her inaugural cruise from her summer homeport of Barcelona, Spain recently . Coming off of

receiving stellar guest satisfaction scores and feedback on its first repositioning cruise, from Southampton, U.K. to Barcelona, the world’s largest cruise ship is sailing an exclusive five-night Western Mediterranean itinerary with visits to Rome

(Civitavecchia) and Naples, Italy at full capacity, with guests representing more than 34 countries.

A perfect vacation choice for families this summer, guests will enjoy a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling features as they sail to the most popular Mediterranean destinations. The ship combines the distinct seven-neighbourhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for with some of the most modern and groundbreaking vacation amenities, including the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-storey-plunge; robot bartenders at The Bionic Bar, powered by Makr Shakr; interior staterooms with virtual balconies that provide real-time views of the destinations, and VOOM – the fastest internet at sea – so that guests can stay connected, stream their favourite entertainment and share their adventures with family and friends back at home.

A review of Emirates ‘Fly with me animal’ Toy TOWARDS the end of last year, Emirates launched a set of Fly with Me Animal toys, which made their debut on board the Emirates flight as soon as it was launched for use. The set of toys included, Lewis the Lion from Africa, Peek U the Panda from China, Enrico the Monkey from Latin America, and Leila the Camel from the Middle East. It is hoped that four new Fly with Me Animals will be introduced every six months.

These newest range of Fly with Me Animal toys were made for infants and toddlers while the Fly with Me Lonely Planet activity was specially designed for those aged between six(6) and twelve(12) years old. The new toys are available on board, ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

Emirates’ young flyers have got lots to benefit, as Emirates is out to make their trip a memorable one, given that young travellers are one of the most important customers of the brand. These toys are

When cultural tourism crusade of Ooni of Ife, Motherland Beckons landed at OAU

S

INCE the declaration of Ile Ife as a tourism zone by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, the ancient town has continued to host different cultural tourism related activities, tourists and dignitaries from different parts of the world with the Ooni playing host to many of the events and visitors.

The latest was a youth forum organised by the Ooni in conjunction with Motherland Beckons, of which he is the grand patron and Enuwa Palace. The event, tagged Democracy Day Musical Fiesta, which held on Democracy Day, was in celebration of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy and was staged at the Amphitheatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife. It was some sort of ‘town meeting gown’ event with a large number of youths from across the country interacting with the students and the university community under a convivial and celebratory environment as

the Amphitheatre, venue of the event, was all glitz and pomp with the youths catching fun and thoroughly entertained till the next morning by the impressive line-up of Nigerian musical acts headlined by artistes from Atunda Entertainment, Tenstrings Music Institute and Olamide Badoo, who was the star entertainer for the night.

Before the musical performances, pep talk by different personalities were delivered on the occasion to draw the attention of the youths to their role in the society and the need for them to embrace useful schemes and empower themselves for the task of nation building as the future of the country rest on their shoulders.

The Founder of Motherland Beckons, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and consultant to the Ooni, admonished the youths to adopt positive outlook and shun all forms of criminalities but rather devote themselves to acquiring skills and education that would make them bet-

ter persons and contributors to the national wealth.

Akinboboye promised the teeming youths that his organisation in conjunction with the Oonirisa and the Enuwa Palace would leave no stone unturned in their bid to positively engage the youths of Ile Ife and the entire Yoruba land in the area of musical, cultural and sports tourism with the sole objective of turning Ile Ife (the land of expansion and the cradle of mankind and civilisation) into the foremost tourist destination in Nigeria and in Africa.

Some of the musical acts that enthralled the audience included Adigun Olohon Iyo, the rising star from the stable of Atunda Entertainment. His velvet-voice and stage craft got the audience singing and dancing as he rendered a soulful blend of contemporary juju rhythm, laced with rap composed in rich Yoruba idioms, proverbs and innuendos.

Another starlet from Atunda Entertainment that electrified the night with her

spectacular and breathtaking performance was Olo Omidan Bata, the first Nigerian female bata drummer, who got a standing ovation from the crowd, as she entertained them with her mastery of bata drumming, singing ability, embellished with her wellchoreographed dancing skills and acrobatic displays.

And then of course, Anu Lady Ekwe, who is also the first acclaimed Nigerian female Ekwe maestro, who whipped the joyous crowd into a frenzy with a stunning performance, backed by her 15-man dance ensemble and complemented by a symphony of Iya Ilu (big drum), Gangan (talking drums) and heavy percussions.

The night’s offerings climaxed with a box office performance by Olamide Badoo, who was virtually swooped on by the youths. He gave them a lot to celebrate, as he took them through most of his hit songs, stoking their singing and gyrating ferment.

He closed out the awesome fiesta, which ended at about 12.4am the next day.

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tourism

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Fast Food is the soul of hospitality sector —Funmi Odubela, CEO, Blossoms Delight fast Food

made available to kids at the kids play area at both First Class and Business Class lounges in Dubai.

Emirates’ Fly with Me Animals is a replacement of the popular Fly with Me Monsters for both entertaining and educational purposes. The animals were designed with unique features - The Travel Buddy which comes with a plastic toggle allowing the toy to be hung in the car, on a pram or in the cot; the Carry Buddy, a dual purpose toy and blanket; as well as the Magnetic Sketcher for young ones to express themselves creatively.

The beauty of these toys is that they come with extra features in it for children’s play time. These toys in the pic-

tures below, have blankets in them for cuddling babies. However, infants and toddlers when playing with these toys as though they were babies will have something to cuddle their babies while keeping them entertained. Also, parents can make use of these blankets to cuddle their new born babies.

The toy is soft in nature like a teddy bear, appearing in various shapes and colours as it will appeal to children, with eyes, ears, hands and legs. It’s lovely to behold.

It’s soft nature will endear children to want to play with. It’s not harmful either.

The blanket located inside is equally soft enough for baby use, thus playing up an added advantage.

I’m committed to doing what is right —Rev. Uja THE Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Reverend Tor Uja has said that he would be committed to do what is right, what is good and what is blessed in the administration of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

He disclosed this in his office in Abuja while playing host to the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, the Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Oche Job. He affirmed that the church has the capacity to take charge of pilgrimage.

He thanked the Federal Government for creating an organisation like NCPC which organises pilgrimage for the Christians in Nigeria as he emphasised that the commission belongs to all Christians.

Rev. Uja intimated the cleric that he would invite church leaders on a meeting regularly on pilgrimage in order to find a sustainable way of moving pilgrimage for-

ward.

He stressed the need to dialogue and resolve issues affecting the church and the nation at large.

He requested that the Methodist Church should send 500 Christians on pilgrimage this year.

Earlier, the Archbishop described Reverend Uja as a “seasoned Pastor well known in every part of the country”. He prayed that the Lord who brought him to Abuja would see him through.

According to him: “You are now a national figure, God has enlarged your coast”. He admonished him to be an Evangelist to everybody and treat everyone fairly.

Archbishop Job equally advised members of staff of the commission to extend their hands of fellowship to the NCPC boss by giving him their maximum cooperation so that NCPC would forever be on top.

Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W.F Kumuyi, and his wife Pastor Esther Kumuyi with the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Reverend Tor Uja during Pastor Kumuyi’s visit to Benue State for a revival Programme in Makurdi.

By wale Ojo Lanre FAST Food Restaurant operation and service has been described as the soul of the hospitality sector which must not only be regulated but monitored for the growth of tourism in the country The Chief Executive Officer , Blossom Delight Fast Food, Mrs Funmi Odubela made this point while responding to posers on the import of restaurant in development of tourism sector She pointed out “Fast Food and Restaurant is the nerve centre of hospitality service. A tourism economy or sector without a qualitative restaurant sub- sector is just like a house with a family without the kitchen and a chef. You will agree with me that house can never enjoy any stability or development. Hence, our parents particularly our mothers lay more emphasis on building the culinary instinct of the girls” Mrs Odubela, who has been in the fast food business in the past 10 years said that “ Any country wishing to be a tourists destination must have, apart from a well nurtured security system, good transportation scheme, then a well developed and thorough honed fast food and restaurant sub-sector capable of sustaining the quest of the visitors and tourists”.

She pointed out “The first item uppermost in the mind of a typical tourist and traveller is whether the country to be visited has good fast food restaurant culture.

It does not matter whether they are operated by locals or foreign franchisee. And this depends on the type of tourists. And that is why in any travel magazine, infor-

mation, bulletin, fast food and restaurant matters top the contents.”

Mrs Odubela said “To bring the point home, do you know that some people fly a particular airline just because of the service onboard? This is to tell you how important restaurant is to tourism. As every traveller will seek to know where to get what to eat”.

She called on the Federal Government to recognise the import of fast food and restaurant to its drive at enhancing the tourism sector and ensure that the sub sector is properly monitored and regulated.

“Our stride at luring tourists and investors may not be accelerated as we wish if quality attention is not paid to the fast food and restaurant sub – sector of the tourism sector.”

Mrs Odubela called on the operators of fast food and restaurants in Nigeria to ensure quality service by dispensing internationally acceptable standards and ethics at their selling point.

She tasked indigenous fast food operators to engage trained personnel who are adept in the art of fast food operation.

“We must not shy away from the fact that our services need upgrading and our staff need training. Fast food business is not a monopoly of an assumed super race as there is nothing there than recipe and handling.”

Mrs Odubela who has trained over 200 in the art of dispensing fast food said “Most of my school graduates are found all over Nigeria who have been engaged by both franchise and local fast food companies.”

20 with Doyin Adeoye

m:08038000394 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

motivated to do more.

It was a big moment for me when I worked to Her Majesty to receive my award. I was the first awardee on the list for the day and the loud reception in the room filled with members of the Royal Family, top diplomats and other leaders made me so emotional. I reflected on when I took the decision to start something in my community, never expected it to be this big. I was just doing my thing and it led to this great moment.

HY did you choose to be an advocate of environmental sustainability?

My exposure to environmental issues was birthed when I went for an internship while at the university. I did my internship with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and was stationed at the Fire, Safety and Environment Department. I was unhappy with the issues of pollution and so I sought to take proactive steps in my own little way on this. I later volunteered with other non profits working around environment to be able to deepen my understanding of environmental issues and that informed my decision to promote an initiative on protecting the environment.

Tell us more about yourself?

I am a young professional in resource and community development with over seven years of cognate experience within both public and private institutions. I founded The Environmental Advocacy/ Management (TEAM) Initiative in 2009, it is a youth-led, not-forprofit initiative that works around environmental sustainability. I support the Global Youth Innovation Network as a Youth Employment Specialist and Outreach Coordinator.

In 2011, I was appointed at 24-years-old as a Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals by the Ogun State Government, a position where I led various state government initiatives and interventions around the MDGs. I was an inaugural recipient of the Queen Young Leaders Award for 60 selected young people from Commonwealth Nations. The award was presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom on June 23rd, 2016.

An Associate Fellow of both the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), South Africa and Royal Commonwealth Society, United Kingdom. A recipient of National Youth Service Corps Chairman’s award in Nigeria, Nigerian Youth Leadership Award

by LEAP Africa and an Alumni of the US States Department Training Exchange Programme in Seattle, Washington. In addition, I serve as a Board Member of Caribbean African Canadian Social Services, Toronto-Canada and member CivicAction GTA Emerging Leaders Network in Canada.

I bagged a degree in Plant Science at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and Masters in Conservation.

W

How do you source for fund to service your NGO, since it is a non-profit organisation?

We’ve had support from bigger non profits like the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) and the Nigerian Field Society. Also some of the initiatives have been self funded. It is what I am passionate about and so I give it my all.

What is your assessment of the nation as regards environmental sustainability?

Biodiversity depletion, desertification and oil spills are some of the big environmental challenges in Nigeria. While there are relevant environmental laws to protect us, the enforcement is ridiculously low.

Many Nigerians depend on nature for their survival. Farming, fisheries, logging and manufacturing are all examples of this. 70-80 per cent of Nigeria’s original forests have

Awareness on environment protection still very poor —Ajiroba disappeared through logging, agriculture, city expansion, expansion of roads and building of industry.

This has led to loss of plants and animals that depend on these forests. With the expected consequences of climate change, these losses are expected to increase. So clearly, my rating for environmental sustainability from what has been said is low.

Do you think government at all levels and indeed Nigerians are doing enough to protect the environment?

The awareness and efforts of government is really poor. A lot still needs to be done in that regard.

Also, greater collaboration among states as well as agencies working in these areas should be encouraged.

Strict enforcement of existing laws

will also come handy in addressing it.

At 29, most of your age mates are still roaming the streets without any direction. What motivates you to distinguish yourself from others?

Growing up was pretty interesting but not without challenges. I was born at Iperu and I grew up in Sagamu. It was a small town that many people knew each other one way or the other. I grew up in a family that made education important and priority. That was really helpful in making meaning out of life.

How do you feel when you are selected among one of the 60 young people from the Commonwealth Nations for the prestigious award?

Being selected as one of the 60 young people was a great feeling

Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.

— Edward Osborne Wilson

ecoscope

Last Thursday, a young enterprising Nigerian, Ajiroba Oladipupo Daniel, was one of the 60 young leaders selected from the Commonwealth Nations for an award of honour

by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at the Buckingham Palace, London. Ajiroba shares his passion for environmental sustainability with OLAYINKA OLUKOYA.

What are the visions of your NGO, the Environmental Advocacy/Management Initiative?

It is a community initiative which centres mostly on youth development and climate change. I organised series of workshops to help in understanding environmental sustainability and giving young people hands on experience to address issues on environmental degradation. I also supported rural farmers in agriculture, helping them adapt to climate change through the hung them good agricultural practices.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

no doubt. I was glad that despite so much negative things happening in the world today, there are still many people, both young and old doing things to make the world better. The recognition made me very happy that my efforts are not going unrecognised and I’m even

EU smashes 2020 emissions target 6 years early

Solar Impulse completes Atlantic crossing THE zero-fuel aeroplane, Solar Impulse, has touched down in Spain, completing the 70-hour Atlantic leg of its historic bid to circle the globe.

The landing in Seville marked the end of the 15th stage of Solar Impulse’s journey.

Pilot Bertrand Piccard made swift progress over the ocean after leaving New York on Monday.

Mission managers will now plot a route to Abu Dhabi where the venture began in March, 2015.

The project had hoped to end the 6,000 kilometre Atlantic leg in Paris, to echo the pioneering flight in 1927 of Charles Lindbergh.

Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis aircraft was the first to make the solo crossing.

As it turned out, the forecast this week in Paris was for storms, and so Seville was chosen as the safest option.

Mr Piccard spoke to a crowd of well-wishers at Seville’s airport after stepping out of Solar Impulse’s cockpit.

Munang, others win UNEP Baobab Awards WINNERS of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Baobab 2016 awards were named recently at a ceremony which was presided over by the Executive Director of UNEP, Mr Achim Steiner.

This year, the awards had five categories namely: Environmental Service Award, Managerial Service Award, Outstanding Team Award, Programme Innovation Award and Support Service Award.

Regional Climate Change Programme Coordinator in Africa, Dr Richard Munang, was the sole winner in the Programme Innovation Award category. He won the award for spearheading the creation of the Africa Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA), an innovative regional policy framework to harmonise,

in a participatory way, policy and implementation actions toward up-scaling solutions in EBA-driven agriculture and value chains, to achieve EBA policy integration and concrete implementation through country driven processes and institutions.

Established just under a year ago, EBAFOSA has already been launched in seven countries and more are expected to follow suit.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Munang thanked the UNEP staff for nominating him and said he was very humbled to be recognised and

From left: Executive Director, UNEP, Mr Achim Steiner; regional Climate Change Programme Coordinator in Africa, Dr Richard Munang and the Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, Mr Ibrahim Thiaw.

Why Nigerians should shun wildlife trade — NCF ILLEGAl killing, smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in wildlife do not only hurt the economy and the ecosystem, they also fuel organised crime as well as feed corruption and insecurity, undermining the sustainable development of the country.

The Director, Technical

Programmes, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr Joseph Onoja, expressed this concern during an event aimed at educating students from various schools in Nigeria about environmental and conservation education, while marking the 2016 World Environment Day at the Lekki Conservation

Centre (LCC), Lagos, recently.

According to him, the illegal trade in wildlife has caused the decline of many species in Nigeria and the world. He said animals such as pangolins, elephants, sea turtles and vultures are usually poached and their body parts are sold for sundry uses and traditional medicine,

which he said has pushed such animal species at the risk of extinction without taking into account their health and economic benefits to the society.

Dr Onoja said it would take dedicated and sustained effort by everyone in the society to turn the tides, saying “people need to understand the damage

this illicit business is doing to our environment, livelihoods, communities and security,” and that awareness creation needs to be intensified so as to push “governments and international bodies to introduce and enforce tougher laws and combat those still willing to break them.”

honoured with the award. He added that the project’s achievements are the result of excellent teamwork, hence thanked his colleagues for their continuous support and contribution in the project.

ecofact

Interesting and useful water facts • Water covers around 70 per cent of the earth’s surface • The longest river in the world is the Nile River; it reaches 6,650 kilometres in length (4,132 miles).

• The second longest river in the world is the Amazon River; it reaches 6,400 kilometres (4,000 miles) in length.

• Water has three different states: liquid, solid and gas.

• Water from a sea or ocean is known as seawater. On average, every kilogramme of seawater contains around 35 grammes of dissolved salt.

• Roughly 70 per cent of an adult’s body is made up of water.

• At birth, water ac-

THE European Union (EU) soared past its 2020 carbon cutting goal six years early, according to an European Environment Agency data released last week.

Greenhouse gas emissions in 2014 were 4.1 per cent lower than the previous year and 24.4 per cent below the 1990 baseline. The 2020 target is a 20 per cent cut.

The biggest savings were in manufacturing, power generation and home heating (helped by a warm winter). They outweighed increases in CO2 from road transport and potent warming HFC gases from air conditioners and fridges.

“It is positive that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990,” said EEA chief Hans Bruyninckx.

“To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”

According to climatechangenews, campaigners warned the next milestone, a 40 per cent cut by 2030, was not ambitious enough to sustain the pace, however.

Wendel Trio, director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said: “The fact that the EU seems to be on track to overshoot its target for 2020 by 10 per cent shows that its climate policies are out of touch with reality.

“The findings demonstrate that the EU could easily increase its climate target for 2030 as a contribution to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

counts for approximately 80 per cent of an infant’s body weight.

• 30 per cent of fresh water is in the ground.

• Over 700 million people lack access to an improved water source.

• Unsafe water kills 200 children every hour.

• 70 per cent of the human brain is water.

• 80 per cent of all illness in the developing world is water related.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

with Tunde Dodondawa m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

FG must partner stakeholders on gas sector framework —Osunsanya, CEO, Oando Gas & Power

Despite Nigeria’s position as the world’s ninth-largest gas reservoir, it is burdened by wide-spread gas shortages, geopolitical challenges, insufficient infrastructure and the lack of a suitable fiscal and regulatory framework combine to make the gas sector challenging for stakeholders. In this interview with OLATUNDE DODONDAWA, the President of Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) and Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas & Power, Mr Bolaji Osunsanya, bares his mind on the sector’s key players and the government working together to realise the gas industry’s true potential.

C

OULD you provide an overview of Nigeria’s current gas demand and supply situation?

The demand for gas in Nigeria is estimated at about 6.6 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d).

This number includes about three cubic feet per day for domestic utilisation (gas-to-power, industrial and commercial consumers), and about 3.6bscf/d for export to international markets via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and to the West African region via the West African Gas Pipeline. Total supply into the market has been about 4.3bscf/d with most of this going to meet the export demand, particularly LNG. This has meant that the domestic market only receives about 1.3bscf/d leaving a supply gap of 1.7bscf/d. This supply situation has been further worsened by the supply disruptions caused by the recurring acts of sabotage on the gas pipeline infrastructure.

The continued government focus on gas is generating a lot of excitement and creates a unique opportunity to capitalise on the gas monetisation agenda to propel the economic growth of the country.

How has the shortfall affected suppliers and domestic users?

Prior to the recent reduction in gas supply, we were making steady progress, as the private sector was implementing workable solutions to counter the gas supply imbalance. Unfortunately, due to lower gas supply, marketers have been forced to adopt a more pragmatic approach by rationing the available supply. This has had a direct effect on Industrial users who have had to scale back production and endure low capacity utilisation. In addition, the limited supply has affected power generation leading to a severe curtailment of power supply to the national grid.

This has led to increased use of more expensive alternative fuels by manufacturing industries across the country, which in many cases has resulted in downsizing to reduce overheads. Now, we require an industry-wide concerted effort to address the lingering challenges.

Pragmatic pricing, the ingenuity of indigenous firms to ramp up supply from varied sources to provide assurance of reliability will quickly position gas as the long term solution to our energy concerns.

What’s your assessment of government’s handling of the gas shortage? Should they do more to ensure further disruptions are avoided?

The challenge is man-made, and requires a multifaceted approach to address the key drivers of the disruption.

This would include a combination of dialogue, an alignment of interests, applicable sanctions, and fair treatment as needed.

For one, the creation of an appropriately constituted and independently audited Host Community Fund would be a way of further positioning oil & gas communities as

Osunsanya key stakeholders. In the interim, the government needs to increase the engagement and involvement of community leaders and influencers to create the necessary awareness regarding the crippling effects of the current disruptions in the Niger Delta, on the environment and the local economy. The government must also consider other initiatives to expand the supply of gas into the market. Such an initiative would be a gas specific bid round tailored to ensure that the gas is deliberately developed for supply into the market. On the infrastructure side, the government may need to revisit the gas infrastructure blueprint to actualise processing facilities, and fast track the completion of the back bone infrastructure that ensures supply flexibility and robustness. In addition, we must begin to consider an energy mix comprising renewables, hydro, and certainly nuclear.

Nigerian Tribune

Crucially, the current crude oil and gas supply shortage has highlighted the pressing need for the implementation of a long term security monitoring framework which has the buy-in of all key stakeholders. This will, of necessity, include increased round the clock military deployments for effective monitoring of oil & gas installations and the adoption of modern technology to aid the surveillance of pipeline infrastructure by security agencies.

Can the private sector provide better assistance?

Active private sector participation would ensure the mobilisation of the much needed funding for infrastructure development. In addition, private enterprise promotes operational efficiencies which is required to ensure value add in the sector. Bridging the infrastructure gaps facing the industry would require extensive capital, creatively structured to meet the long-term requirements of all stakeholders.

The largest gas consumer group in the domestic market is the power generation sector that supplies power to the market. As earlier described, this group, mostly private sector led, has been severely affected by the gas shortages in the domestic market. The embedded generation regulations can be exploited by private sector generators, working with the Discos to creatively securitise their investment, to provide much needed power to the industrial and commercial sectors. By so doing, the market can assure that the investment needed to provide gas infrastructure such as processing facilities, transmission (both onshore and offshore) and distribution pipelines is secure. This will, in addition, support the development of modern alternative gas delivery technology such as CNG and LNG as complementary solutions to ensure reliability of supply to the market. By the same token, the establishment of a viable market will support the development of strategic gas storage solutions such as floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) and onshore LNG storage terminals and ensure gas supply security.

Through self-regulation and oversight functions by the government, the private sector can lead the gas sector away from government control and management towards full liberalisation. Extensive research has shown that gas has the potential to be the fundamental driver for the widespread industrialisation of Nigeria and a fully liberalised sector would increase private investments.

As CEO of Oando Gas & Power (OGP), my team has worked diligently to position us to engage early adopters and consumers of gas technologies by understanding the market economics and bridging the gas gap through the development of virtual pipelines. We have developed a CNG solution to make gas available for customers, within a 250km radius, who are not connected to our distribution pipeline network in South Western Nigeria. We are also developing a mini LNG facility which will provide gas fuel supply to off-grid power plants and industrial customers who are up to 1000km away from existing pipeline infrastructure. We have also taken the responsibility to develop a strategic gas storage solution for the country via an FSRU to be located off the Lagos coast to alleviate the current gas supply challenges within the Southern industrial axis.

What can the NGA do to ensure that the industry can advance these suggestions?

A low hanging fruit would be fostering the dialogue between the NGA Executive Council, key gas industry players and the National Assembly Committees on gas resources. The aim of these discussions would be to sensitise the policy makers on the impact of current events to the gas industry, while we would also disseminate follow-up communiques and engage the media to ensure the collective position of the government’s legislative arm and the NGA is fully understood. Driving policies to improve domestic gas supply and utilisation, will also help investors focus on the right areas to ensure sector growth.

As a mid to long term solution, we are investing more in our members through conferences and capacity-building.

We also recently inaugurated five NGA Study Groups with applicable deliverables including industry white papers.

The study groups will be responsible for recommending policy changes in their respective areas and have already begun their initial phase of work. These groups will focus on natural gas transmission and distribution; industrial utilisation and power generation; domestic, commercial & transportation environment, health and safety.

By implementing the aforementioned, and creating some synergy between the government and the sector’s key stakeholders, we would be better placed to address the current challenges in the Nigerian gas industry. Understandably, we must view this is an opportune time for us, because if there’s any sector that’s already well set in terms of framework and exploitation, then it’s gas.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Dangote refinery to save Nigeria $7.5bn annually —Dangote

From left, Dr Chukwueloka Umeh, Group Chief Operating Officer; Nestoil Limited receiving the award for the Oil Service Project Manager Company of the Year from Mr. Nicolas Terraz, Managing Director, Total Exploration and Production Limited, at the 2016 edition of the BusinessDay-Oval Energy Oil & Gas roundtable and awards held at the Civic Centre, Lagos recently.

NESTOIL emerges best company in oil services project management Stories by Olatunde Dodondawa -Lagos

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IGERIA’S foremost engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) Services company, Nestoil Ltd, has emerged as the Oil Service Project Manager Company of the Year at the 2016 edition of the Business Day’s Oval Energy Oil & Gas Roundtable and Awards.

Nestoil Limited outclassed other services companies nominated in the award category to win the coveted award owing to its history of performance, quality of equipment and

number of projects successfully completed.

In a statement by the company’s spokesman, Mr Segun Fafore, made available to the Nigerian Tribune, “Over the past two decades, Nestoil Limited has affirmed its industry leadership through execution of technically complex projects, which have enhanced quality of life in Nigeria and contributed to the operational efficiency of its clients in the oil, gas and energy sectors of the nation’s economy.

“As the indigenous leader in pipeline construction, the company is acknowledged for execution of some landmark projects

in Nigeria. These include construction of the Edjeba Sewage Treatment Plan in Warri, construction of the OB3 (Obiafu/Obrikom to Oben) 48” diameter gas pipeline for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), construction of the 24” diameter Nember-Cawthorne Channel Trunckline (NCTL) for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), construction and installation of the 2.5km Escravos River Cross as part of the OML 42 oil export pipeline network construction for the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).”

The company’s Group

Managing Director (GMD), Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, while expressing his appreciation to the management of BusinessDay Media Ltd, described the award as “a recognition that will inspire Nestoil Limited and its sister companies to sustain their outstanding performance and innovation.”

Represented by Dr Chukwueloka Umeh, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), who received the award on behalf of the company, Dr Azudialu-Obiejesi enjoined operators in the nation’s oil and gas sector to showcase the sector’s potentials to investors.

FG commends NIPCO over effective fuel supply ONE of the challenges confronting the nation’s downstream sector is the poor logistics in fuel distribution across the country. However, the Federal Government has commended the management of NIPCO Plc, for its effective storage and distribution capacity in tackling the logistics challenges confronting the sector.

The Group Executive Director/COO (Downstream), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Henry Ikem Obih, stated during a visit to the company’s premises that “We appreciate your contributions at all times and to say that you are very key in our operations is stating the obvious just as we look forward to consolidating

the relationship. With what I have seen, your operations is excellent coupled with good housekeeping and safety culture.”

Obih said the contributions of the company especially during the last fuel crisis was splendid as it exhibited high sense of commitment to government’s desire to end the fuel queues by being the first operator to bring in cargoes to augment NNPC stock.

According to him, “Nipco was able to perform this feat even in the face of shortage of forex to import petroleum products, adding that this singular act is well noted and will continue to attract commendations by the corporation.

The GED, who commen-

ded the level of automation of the terminal, said its impact is well noted in the smooth loading and receipt of petroleum products as highlighted in the organization’s master control room during the visit.

The Group General Manager, Marine, NNPC, Makama Dalhatu, said the aim of the parley was to express deep appreciation to Nipco and assert the corporation pleasure with its operations.

“NIPCo Plc is an excellent example of how business should be run and very inspiring to be partnering with them in ensuring that the entire nation is wet at all times,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director, NIPCo Plc, Mr Venkataraman Ven-

katapathy, said the company has a good working relationship with the corporation and that the esteemed visit of the GED and his entourage is an affirmation of the existing mutual relationship of the duo.

He commended the diligent leadership of the management team of the NNPC which has manifested in several facets of the nation’s oil and gas resources in recent times.

Mr Venkatapathy stated that under the thru-put arrangement with the NNPC, Nipco stores and distributes white products to independent and major oil marketers who have bulk purchase agreement with the Pipeline & Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Ltd.

DANGOTE Petrochemicals and Refining Company said it would save Nigeria $7.5 billion annually when its ongoing projects are completed in first quarter of 2019.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend during an onsite facility tour of the projects situated at Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, explained that “the money would be earn from import substitution. Import substitution means that what you will realize earnings from those goods you can produce here instead of importing them. $5.5 billion is used to import aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene, poly ethane etc. When we export these products, we get forex and we will stop importing all these products.

“This project is attacking the entire system in two folds. One fold is that no more imports. Because of you look at it today, 40 per cent of foreign exchange goes into importation of refined petroleum products.

In less than three months, our cement factories imported almost $100 million LPFO. So if you produce here, you don’t need to import. We cannot charge anybody in dollars. What

we are selling in the industry will be paid in Naira.

And you will create jobs.

There are values we are creating. By importation, you export jobs and create poverty here. The excess capacity above what Nigeria can consume is what will generate the $5 billion.”

Furthermore, Dangote said he is committed to the multi-billion dollar project to help diversify the nation’s economy. Urging government to sincerely pursue the diversification of the economy, he said that projects such as these are needed to wean Nigeria from relying solely on oil as well as optimise government revenue.

“The best way of diversification for Nigeria was agriculture and our fertilizer plant is in line with that goal. By the time we finish out gas pipeline, it can generate about 12,000MW and we can export to other African countries.

“We would have the capacity to store four billion litres of products, and can load 2,680 trucks per day,” he said. Dangote noted that the project would crash the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) because the product is refined in-country, and will therefore save some costs incurred in the import market.

OPEC loses $439bn in one year to crude price decline THE Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) lost $349 billion in revenue last year because of low oil prices, cutting revenues almost in half from the year before.

A report from the Energy Intelligence Agency (EIA) in mid-June estimated 2015 revenues for OPEC countries at $404 billion, down 46 per cent from the $753 billion the member countries earned in 2014.

Revenues last year fell to their lowest level in 11 years.

Worse still for OPEC is the fact that revenues could fall even further this year, as low oil prices sank to new depths, particularly in the first quarter of 2016.

The EIA projects OPEC revenues this year to drop to $341 billion. That will result in per capita oil export revenues in OPEC countries falling from $606 in 2015 to $503 this year.

For its part, OPEC put out a more dire assessment

of its own finances, putting its losses last year at $438 billion, much higher than the $349 billion estimated by the EIA. That came even though overall exports climbed by an average of 400,000 barrels per day, or a 1.7 per cent increase, largely because of production gains in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The plunging revenue led to OPEC members to post a current account deficit of $99.6 billion, the first deficit since 1998. That compared to the 2014 surplus of $238.1 billion.

Besides the drop in crude price, some member countries like Nigeria and Venezuela are facing internal challenges like vandalism, economic sabotage and unrest in their respective countries.

Resurgence of militancy has resulted in several attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region and the federal government has appealed to the militants to stop the attacks.

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016 Group Politics Editor Taiwo adisa 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Sheriff can’t decimate PDP—Bode George Former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, speaks on the crisis rocking the party, among other issues of national interest, in this interview with newsmen. BOLA BADMUS brings the excerpts:

I

S the current crisis in PDP not preventing the party from playing the role of a vibrant opposition party?

If you have too many things you stoke in fire definitely it will be divided, but you see what Ali Modu Sheriff does not understand is that PDP is not ANPP. PDP is a formidable, solid, grassroots-based political party, and we have an incredible resilience. Look at the primaries conducted in Edo State in the public glare, everybody was satisfied. Those who contested and lost said they were satisfied and they are preparing for elections. So, where is he bringing his katakata, or he still thinks he is still in ANPP? Of course, it is affecting our focus because, today, you are in court, tomorrow somebody is flagging an injunction. Political parties are not run that way. I want to say also that we should take part of the blame because when this judicial rascality came into the party. There is a section in the party’s constitution that forbids any individual from going to court without exhausting all the avenues within the party.

So, most of these people that are headed to court, creating unnecessary diversion, should have been fired according to the party’s law.

Everybody kept quiet because they didn’t want to offend anybody. So, if you don’t like the kitchen, if you don’t like heat, get out of the kitchen. There are so many other political parties, let them carry their ‘wahala’ and join them. This is a party that has rules and regulations which were conceived by the founding fathers. Yes, it is affecting us, but if he thinks it will affect us and blind us to the fact that when we go for election, people will not hear our voice, that is why some of us are presenting our own side of the story to the electorate.

There is no problem in the PDP. Sheriff, who has just joined us, Wale Oladipo and the other young man, auditor or whatever, should go home quietly. All the other zones are stable and we would do the elections and compete with every vigour that God gave us and battle Edo to give Edo people a brand new governance.

There is this talk that the APC may have planted Sheriff in the PDP, what is your take on this?

I don’t have concrete facts, but if you look at his behavioural pattern, then what would you conclude? You know in politics if you don’t put up the real story, rumours would start flying. Whether it is true or not, that is why I am advising him. He should not allow himself to be used as cannon fodder. He should not allow himself to be used by others. What would be his benefit? A nation that does not have a reliable, constructive, democratic opposition would head to perfidy. Is that his intention? To decimate PDP? He can’t achieve it! PDP is deep-rooted with the people.

Yes, we made our mistakes, we have learnt our lessons and we are ready to present new managers for the party. And we must

ple. A professor, Wale, a professor of some kind of physical or scientific nomenclature, I would expect him to have a reflective mind that portrays what we in my part of the world, call Omoluwabi.

The Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, had his personal account frozen by the EFCC. What is your position on this?

I am going to be like an elder here. Ayo is my son. The first time he came to be a governor; it was impressive. Two wrongs cannot make a right. I read a presentation by a lawyer on the matter and I also read the EFCC version of the accusation levelled against Ayo. My plea is this as a concerned Nigerian; we still have the rule of law and everybody must subject himself to the rule of law. The EFCC cannot do anything to him because of Section 308. They should be patient because the law is no respecter of anybody. I have gone through my own experiences; the law is still there. They want to fight him because they said Ayo made certain comments against the First Lady. If it is proven that it is wrong, I know Ayo would be the first to jump up and apologise, but two wrongs cannot make a right.

The position of the EFCC was well stated in the newspaper but how many people would read that? So they should balance it. Everybody agrees that there should be anti-corruption crusade, but when you start to fling the sword in every direction, and only one side is being cut down, Nigerians would start to read meaning.

George convince Nigerians that we are ready to manage them again.

All these attitudes, I don’t have concrete facts about them, but it is not too far-fetch to start thinking, what is it that this man wants? The court says sit down in your house, don’t parade yourself, you say you are still there, who is behind you? And you know he made a statement on the television. I heard him saying he would go over the IGP. If you have a public disagreement, who do you go and meet, is it not the IG? If you want to go over IGP, then where do you want to go? That what was brought the suspicion.

Who are the bigger masquerades behind this man? So it is legitimate to start thinking because normally, you know you expect certain behaviours from people, but when the behaviours start falling into some other realm, you know you start to wonder, what’s wrong with this man? You know in my own part of the world, when it starts happening like that, they go and look for the family and say ‘e dimu o,’ (Get hold of him ), something is going wrong.

There is an insinuation that the South-West PDP is backing Sheriff because Senator Buruji Kashamu, Professor Wale Oladipo and others are angling to become eventual leaders in the zone.

You know the point is this, you cannot but find Buruji’s hand in all this. His tentacles are all over the place. He is an ardent supporter of Wale and Adeyanju. Now, I want both of them to cast their mind back to when they were being nominated to represent the South-West. We had a meeting in my house in Abuja. They had so many other contenders. All the other zones had nominated their own Executive Committee members. The elders met, they were there. We begged those competing with them to allow them to go. We would not go to the field and be looking like an untutored and uncultured zone, that was what we did.

By trying to now use the old Akintola ‘taku’ mentality that they have refused to now want to leave — is worrying. They went there representing the Yoruba peo-

You cannot but find Buruji’s hand in all this. His tentacles are all over the place.

What is your reaction to the face off between the Senate and the presidency, given assertions by the lawmakers that they are being taken for granted?

My take would be like a spectator because I am not directly involved. I think this is the time for some senior Nigerians, former presidents and elders to get involved. The government is a tripod: if one leg is wobbling, then there is instability. If two legs are wobbling, then the instability will increase. Of course the judicial people wouldn’t talk if they are aggrieved.

I believe it doesn’t even matter now whether it is PDP, Party A or Party B. Recently, the president invited the ruling party’s caucus and had a meeting with the National Assembly people. I believe something should still be done. If it was our government, the Board of Trustees of the party would have waded in because that is one of their functions. I don’t know whether they have a BoT in their party. If they don’t have, they have elders. I would plead with them because when these voices start coming to the public, it portends crisis which we cannot afford because investors and some of the international friends we have would not come, and we can’t live in isolation.

Those who have been investing their money here would start saying, wait a minute!

In America, the Congress was against Clinton and Gingrich was the Speaker.

While Clinton was bidding his time, the man was hell bent on shutting down the government. He paid a big price for it later, but even then people got involved.

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politics&policy

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Lagos Assembly not a rubber stamp—Chief Whip

Honourable Rotimi Abiru is the Chief Whip, Lagos State House of Assembly. He speaks on the achievements of House in last one year, among other issues of importance. BOLA BADMUS brings excerpts:

C

AN we have your assessment of the Lagos 8th Assembly in the last one year?

We have a different mix in the House now than what we had in the last Assembly. This assembly is made up of 36 men and just four women but in the last Assembly, we had eight women among us. Although it took this assembly some months before committees were set up but prior to that, we had been working through ad-hoc committees and, as soon as committees were formed, we swung into action.

Personally, what I noticed in this Assembly is that we have more of private member bills; and it appears there is eagerness in some of us, particularly Mr Speaker, who wants to make a difference from what we had in the past. As I speak now, we have eight private member bills introduced to the House by some members and three have actually become laws while five others are at different stages of law making process.

Again, we have passed 80 resolutions and some of them have actually helped the executive in its functions. These resolutions include the call for the dissolution of the caretaker committees in the local governments and local council development areas of the state. Prior to that, there was a crisis in Mile 12 market and the advice for the relocation of the market to another place within the state came from this assembly.

Also, the assembly made a resolution on the issue of traffic and insecurity in the state and the resolution on the tenure of Lagos State University Vice Chancellor

(LASU VC) emanated from this House.

Although resolutions are advisory, it behoves on the executive to actually determine whether or not those resolutions would be implemented.

What factors made the assembly to extend the tenure of local government chairmen from three to four years?

The local government is the creation of the House of Assembly and that is how it is expressly written in the Constitution.

And in the wisdom of the House before now, the three-year tenure was prescribed for the local government system in this state. In some states, local government chairmen have two years as their tenure, so, it is not a uniform thing but it is the House’s decision.

But of course, looking at the cost of conducting election and for us to have some level of uniformity in the state like other elected officers who have four years tenure, the House felt that the tenure of the local government chairmen should not be an exemption and with the experience we had during the last election, it is glaring that the cost of running election in Nigeria is a bit high.

So, the House felt that we should have a rethink about the tenure of local government chairmen and we looked at what is sustainable by the state, that was why the House agreed that the local government system in the state should be allowed to have a four-year tenure.

You passed a resolution last week that the caretaker committee chair-

men across the state be sacked by the governor, and sole administrators appointed. But the names of the administrators were already in the public domain. To what extent is the House independent of the executive?

The legislature and the executive are not at war and the House is dominated by the ruling party in the state. We all belong to one political party and most of what we do is actually hinged on the manifesto of our party. As for the appointment of the sole administrators, you will agree with me that since we have not had democratically elected officers at the local councils, it is the House that has been carrying out oversight on local governments in the state.

To my knowledge, the list of the current sole administrators was not released until Monday, some days after the House’s resolution. You will agree with me that before such appointment was made, a lot of speculation would have been flying around and at the end of the day, many names that had been touted could not make the list. It is just a mere speculation but a few lucky ones being touted might make it and that is how it is each time the appointment is about to be made. I want to say categorically that this House is not an arm of the executive, we are an independent arm of government and that is how it is.

Also, our oversight functions actually gave us opportunity to see closely, some of the activities going on in the local governments and the Committee on Local Government Administration went on an oversight inspection on some of the roads that the state government supported in all the local governments across the state. The governor gave a directive that two roads should be constructed in every local government and that directive was followed. The government actually gave some support to the local government to that effect.

Moreover, about the time the second tranche of disbursement was going to be re-

Abiru

leased to the local governments, the committee decided to visit those roads and I think what they saw partly informed the advice that the caretaker committees should be dissolved. But the report has not been officially presented on the floor of the House. It will be prejudicial if I dwell more on the report but as an insider, I know that some of what the committee saw was not palatable.

Secondly, we realised that the allocation from the Federal Government to the state is reducing and for the local governments to be able to conserve the little they have, the House felt that there should be elected officers at the local governments. A few days before the pronouncement of that resolution, the House had approved the appointment of the immediate past Chief Justice of the state, Justice Ayotunde Phillips as the new LASIEC boss to put the state electoral body in good step to conduct local government election.

‘It is criminal for Ondo to owe salaries’ An All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Ondo State, Mr Boboye Oyewumi, in this interview with CHUKWUMA OKPARAOCHA, speaks on what he hopes to change if he becomes the next governor of the state. Excerpts: the main sources of revenue during the old Western Region.

It is shocking that, 40 years after creation, we have lagged behind in bringing development to the grass-roots. Thus, in comparing the past with the present and the future prospects of the state, it is evident from available statistics that there are still more grounds to cover in bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people and pushing the frontiers of development of the state to an enviable position among the comity of states.

Oyeyemi

WHAT is your perception of Ondo State?

The Nigerian story is the Ondo story and the Ondo is the Nigerian story. I come from a state where less than five per cent of students pass WAEC with five credits. This is very sad. Ondo State has experienced some level of development since its creation in 1976.

The state used to be the envy of other states in educational performance at the national level and the production of cocoa was one of

Before now, a lot of those also vying for the number one spot in Ondo had long indicated their interest, why are you coming out this late?

I don’t know how to spell the word “late,” but I know how to spell the word “appropriate.” There is a local proverb that, “The masquerade that dances first, will watch others dance for the longest time.” Leadership for me is not a race for perpetuity; you are provided a place to perform for a period of time, and then you leave for others.

I am not driven by ambition, but I have a vision that is meant for an appointed time, which is now. We are not looking for jobs, none of those working with me is a paid staff; they all volunteered themselves for a cause they believe in. In every race, there is always a David, and there’s nothing that comes after a David.

We started about three-four months ago,

but if you check where we are now, then you will ask yourself, “how is it possible for somebody that started three to four months ago to be a top runner for an election where people have been expending all their resources?” When you have somebody who is agile, young and who has exposure, and you have others unlike him in the party and they are also contesting, quality will find its way to the surface.

We’ve been well received everywhere we have been. They see us as a fresh team; we have never lied to them; we have never lost an election in the state; we have no baggage; we are credible, and we come with fresh ideas. Freshness is appealing, as against those who are already at the winter of their lives.

How do think you can win the APC delegates over?

If the race was skewed in somebody’s favour, then you have a problem. But what we have seen so far is that it is a level playing field. Currently, we have over 40 aspirants, vibrant men who are working to be governor. When you have the richness of candidates like that, the only way is to allow them go into the field. The delegates that you are referring to are humans who are approachable, and we like others are approaching them. They are not commodities to be bought, but they are people whose conscience can be appealed to.

We don’t have any financial resources to acquire delegates; everybody is showcasing what they have to offer. We have seen it in this country and elsewhere where people with the most resources end up with the least delegates. At the end of the day, it is not about delegates, but about the state, the

country, and the future of the next generation.

But if you look at the average age of the contestants, if it were to be the private sector, they need not apply. In the South-West, it is still a rarity that only people of a certain ilk and demography have been applying to lead, because if you are going for a marathon you need agility, strength, modern ideas, because it is ideas that rule the world now. You can see that in Lagos, in fact nobody that has governed Lagos in the past 10 years were people of my age; they were young when they became governor. At my age, I clocked 52 some days ago, Obafemi Awolowo had become Prime Minister and left.

If you eventually emerge the governor, how would you tackle salary problem?

To me to owe salaries is criminal, and it shows lack of planning. The problem is that we have the culture of going to Abuja every month to collect money. Have you seen in any of those states where salaries are owed, that State House workers are yet to collect their salaries?

The first line of deduction is usually with the State House, whereas teachers, doctors, nurses, civil servants outside that structure will be the ones carrying placards, while the ones with fat pays get paid on time.

This has to do with the inability for our leaders to set their priorities right. In Ondo, there’s crude oil on the coastline (at least about 10 per cent of the nation’s crude oil comes from Ondo). Then there is bitumen, sharp sand, timber, cocoa, oil palm, granite, laterite, cashew, among others, and yet you have a situation where they cannot pay salaries.

God has given Ondo State all it needs to succeed.

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politicscommentary

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

The assault on democracy and rule of law

By Mohammed Abdulrazaq

O

UR democracy is under attack and it might collapse irredeemably unless Nigerians rise up to defend it. Democracy should not just be a white elephant project where those entrusted with leadership positions hide to perpetuate illegality and acts injurious to the people. The historic event that took place in Britain during last week comes to mind as one ponders the type and manner of democracy we have chosen to practise in this country. The British people have just voted to be independent of the European Union (EU) after 43 years of membership.

Giving effect to democracy and expressed wish of the people, Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned his position and fixed his exit date for October, in deference to the finer principles of democracy which overwhelms every other opinion under the expressed wish of the majority.

However, there is much ado in our country even though we pretend to practise democracy. Institutions are not allowed to work but the selfish machinations of those holding the levers of power. Why is it that our governance is always coloured and seen through the prism of individual leaders rather than being sustained by the modern ethos and ethics of democratic governance? Why is it so difficult for the executive to allow the other arms of government to operate independently as granted them by the Constitution? Why has the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), chosen to prefer criminal charges against the presiding officers of the 8th Senate on a matter that is wholly internal to the Senate?

Why has the executive invaded the arena of the Senate, apparently, to forcefully dismantle the leadership the senators elected to lead it at their inauguration? Why is the executive out to enfeeble the institution of the Legislature and the Judiciary by constantly harassing and intimidating them?

There are instances where Judicial officers have been blackmailed through online publications so that they can rule in a particular way.

The plot to arraign Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu falls squarely within this new template of executive impunity and using the judiciary to settle political scores. The facts of the case to me are clear enough even though I am not a lawyer. Nigerians and members of the international community know that some lawmakers, on behalf of the Senate Unity Forum (SUF), who championed the failed bid of Senator Ahmed Lawan to emerge Senate President petitioned the police, alleging forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 that produced Saraki and Ekweremadu.

Following the petition, the police in July 2015, invited former Senate President, David Mark, his former Deputy, Ekweremadu, ex-Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee in the 7th Senate and now Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, former Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Benedict Efeturi and one other person for questioning. It is worthy of note that both the presiding and principal officers of the 7th Senate so invited never honoured the invitation of the police, save for the public servants in the person of Maikasuwa and Efeturi who honoured the invitation and

Saraki

made statements to the police. The police concluded its investigation and sent it to the AGF to determine whether what happened in the chambers of the National Assembly on June 9, 2015, is subject to prosecution.

One thing is clear. The present case of forgery is a new phase in the unholy crusade to cow the National Assembly and make it of no effect, even though the institution represents the live wire of our democracy. This is because there is no denying the fact that the emergence of Saraki as Senate President of the 8th Senate is the raison daitre for his ongoing persecution cum prosecution over alleged false assets declaration or forged Senate rules. It must be noted that the AGF cannot deny being an interested party in the instant case for which he is the Prosecutor-In-Chief, by virtue of his being one of the counsel to the members of the Senate Unity Forum that petitioned the police and also instituted a case before he was appointed minister.

Again, before the AGF was appointed, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), ‘suddenly discovered discrepancies’ in the asset declaration forms filed by Saraki about 13 years ago for which he is currently undergoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Besides, the executive and certain elements in the APC who are apparently miffed by the revelations emanating from the CCT which clearly underscore the claims of the Senate President that he is being persecuted for political reasons, have now made a detour and dusted a report which has been with the AGF for over a year, and suddenly

Malami

got busy with plans to arraign Saraki, Ekweremadu and a select few at an FCT High Court over allegations of forgery.

Apparently sensing that the spurious allegations against the Senate President to the effect that there were irregularities in his asset declaration forms, have continued to cave in as the prosecution witness is being cross-examined, the executive has again cooked up allegations against the Senate President to the effect that he partook in forging the Senate Standing Orders by which the 8th Senate was inaugurated. To make it credible, it has decided to join Ekweremadu, Maikasuwa and Efeturi in the suit.

If not, is it not curious that some of the officials of the 7th Senate expressly mentioned in the police invitation are missing in the current charge before the FCT High Court? Do we need to consult a star gazer to know that David Mark was the Senate President of the 7th Senate? Even kindergarten pupils know that Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba was the Senate Leader of the 7th Senate and that Senator Ita Enang was the Chairman Business and Rules Committee in the 7th Senate. Why are these names missing in the forgery charge for which trial to commence on Monday.

To show the eagerness, with with the executive wanting to get at Saraki by initiating this kangaroo trial, it is pertinent to note that never a time was the name of Saraki mentioned in the report of the police that purportedly investigated a matter they were not legally competent to investigate being that they are direct agents of the executive and further precluded from interfering in the internal matters of any

President Muhammadu Buhari owes Nigerians the obligation to ensure that the other arms of government are allowed to function unencumbered.

other arm of government, that is in climes where the sanctity of the doctrine of separation of powers is respected and given effect. I think Nigerians and world leaders must also interrogate why Saraki was never invited by the police to make a statement before the charges were filed. Yet the police swore to an affidavit that it had concluded investigation on the matter. The proposed trial by all intent and purposes, is a clear violation of the Constitution and Section 379 (1) (a) (iv) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which stipulates that for a competent charge to be filed, it SHALL contain copies of the statements of the defendants. However, Nigerians are watching to see if Saraki and Ekweremadu would be forced to make statements to the police after they might have been arraigned?

For the avoidance of doubt, the Police buttressed the argument that the case against Saraki and Ekweremadu is meant to achieve political ends, albeit, through the back door, in its letter dated June 7, 2016 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The letter among others, put a capital lie to claims by the AGF and his hirelings that the Senate President and others are to be arraigned over allegations of forgery of Senate Rules. The letter signed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) James O. Caulrick, with the title: “1st reminder, Letter of invitation, Re: Forgeries/Fraudulent use of the Senate Standing Order/Rules 2015 (As Amended) by the 8th Senate” read as follows: “I refer yo the Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police’s letter no. CR:3000/X/ FHQ/ABJ/VOL.185/98, dated 1st July, 2015 requesting the under- listed officials of the 7th Senate (emphasis mine) to report to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department for the purpose of conducting investigation on the above subject matter: i. Senate President ii. Deputy Senate President iii. Majority Leader of the Senate iv. Clerk of the National Assembly v. Clerk of the Senate vi.

Chairman, Business and Rules Committee and vii. Secretary, Business and Rules Committee. As at the time of writing this letter, none of the officials in the above 7th Senate list honoured the invitation to respond to the allegations, except the Clerks of the National Assembly and that of the Senate. Consequent upon the above, you are kindly requested to inform the listed officials yet to respond to report to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department on 9th June, 2016 for the purpose of further investigation on the matter.”

How did the AGF smuggle the name of Saraki into the charge, while the main actors of the 7th Senate were either left out completely or made prosecution witnesses? Many Nigerians have insisted that the trial is a direct assault against democracy and a criminal subversion of the rule of law which the present administration swore to protect. I cannot agree with them less. President Muhammadu Buhari owes Nigerians the obligation to ensure that the other arms of government are allowed to function unencumbered. He owes Nigerians the obligation to ensure that its cherished democracy is not subverted by a few in position of power. Let him act to safeguard democracy and immediately order the AGF to withdraw the charges against Saraki and Ekweremadu.

Abdulrazaq writes in from Anyigba, Kogi State

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

features

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

EU exit: Britain treading an unknown path SEYI GESINDE writes on the pressing issues involved in the recent historic referendum signing Britain out of European Union membership.

The key actors in the Brexit referendum, from left, Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister David Cameron and Nigel Farage, Leader of Ukip and Member of European Parliament. Photo: Getty Images

T

HE United Kingdom, on Thursday, June 23, finally settled a question which has troubled and rattles the centre of the world for ages, which is whether the country should remain within the European Union, and stays alone as a sovereign state. In the referendum, the “leave” advocates somehow outwit the “remain” campaigner and all is now settled. Britain is moving out of EU. What eventually paved the way for this was the last year Conservative election victory that saw David Cameron emerge as the British Prime Minister. In the Conservative manifesto, Cameron had pledged to hold an in and out referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by the end of 2017.

It was believed the internal conflict with the Conservatives, especially from the Eurosceptic backbenchers, put Cameron under pressure to make the promise of an EU referendum, even at a time it appeared his party was losing votes to the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP).

If not for the commitment, most political commentators had posited that, if given a free hand, Cameron would’t have allowed for a referendum, and that he is now desperate to secure Britain’s place in the EU.

This is probably why early in the year, Cameron went on a tour of EU capitals to renegotiate Britain’s terms of membership, which he concluded at a summit in February. Perceiving the feedback to a victory sign, Cameron promised to campaign with his “heart and soul” to keep Britain inside a “reformed” EU. But since was presiding over a cracked cabinet, he would not have rejoiced for a perceived victory since several members of his own Cabinet vehemently campaigned for a British exit - Brexit from EU. Advantages and disadvantages of leaving the EU The question now is would Britain be better off staying inside the European Union club, as many critics fondly call it, or it is better to stay alone?

No matter what is perceived to be either, whether it is for good or otherwise, the truth of the matter is everything still seems uncertain, as no country in the past had ever gone through the process of isolating itself from EU. There are a lot of uncertainties attached to this than realities which may be projected.

With the situation of things, analysts have, with different theories, projected what may likely be the aftermath

of the Britain’s decision to leave EU. The uncertainty here is no country has ever left the EU before, which makes it hard to predict the exact result. However, there are immediate glaring consequences which can be addressed.

Cost saving from membership fee With Britain’s exit from the EU, this would immediately result in an immediate cost saving, since it would no longer be a contributor to the EU’s budget. For instance, in 2015, Britain paid in £13bn to the EU. But since it received back £4.5bn worth in spending, so, according to Full Fact, in the real sense, the UK made £8.5bn net payment, which is about 7 per cent of what the government spends on the National Health Scheme (NHS) every year.

What is not certain yet is if Britain will continue to benefit from other financial advantages of EU membership, such as free trade and inward investment.

Even if other EU countries would offer such generous terms is one of the big unknowns of the debate. Pro-exit campaigners argue that it would be in the interests of other European countries to re-establish free trade, but their Continues on

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features

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Brexit: And the debate continues Continued from

pg 27

opponents suggest that the EU will want to make life hard for Britain in order to discourage further breakaways.

France has said recently that there would be “consequences” for Britain if it left the EU. Trade For all member nations, the EU is a single market with no tariffs imposed on imports and exports between member states. The Sky News reported that more than 50 per cent of UK’s exports go to EU countries, since its membership allows UK to have a say over how trading rules are drawn up.

Also, Britain benefits from trade deals between the EU and other world powers. According to a BBC report, “the EU is currently negotiating with the US to create the world’s biggest free trade area.” The deal is what is seen as what will be highly beneficial to British business, more so that the US is a very close UK’s ally.

Britain’s David Cameron and Germany’s Angela Merkel at a recent meeting.

Risk of losing business negotiating power Now, Britain is at risk of losing some of its negotiating power by leaving the EU, however, it is free to establish its own trade agreements.

But going by Nigel Farage’s philosophy, the UKIP leader believes Britain could follow the lead of Norway, which has access to the single market and still not bound by EU laws on areas such as agriculture, justice and home affairs. But to other thinkers, they argued that an “amicable divorce” would not be possible.

Possible options The Economist in its submission said: “If Britain were to join the Norwegian club, it would remain bound by virtually all EU regulations, including the working-time directive and almost everything dreamed up in Brussels in future. And it would no longer have any influence on what those regulations said.”

A leading Brexit campaigner, Boris Johnson, had recommended adopting a Canada-style trade arrangement. He said: “I think we can strike a deal as the Canadians have done based on trade and getting rid of tariffs” and have a “very, very bright future.” However, Cameron dismissed the recommendation that would amount to “years of painful negotiations and a poorer deal” than what Britain has today.

The worst scenario According to a study by the Think-Tank Open Europe, who, had moved for a radical reform of EU, it found that the worst-case “Brexit” scenario is that the UK economy loses 2.2 per cent of its total GDP by 2030 (by comparison, the recession of 2008-09 knocked about 6 per cent off UK GDP). However, it says that GDP could rise by 1.6 per cent if the UK was able to negotiate a free trade deal with Europe, that is to maintain the current trade set-up and pursued “very ambitious deregulation.”

Investment Compared to the pre and post Scottish independence referendum in 2014, the uncertainty of the outcome and its consequences will naturally slow down investments.

But in the long run, the pro-Europeans think the UK’s status as one of the world’s biggest financial centres will be diminished if it is no longer seen as a gateway to the EU for the likes of US banks, while Brexit campaigners suggest that, free from EU rules a regulations, “Britain could reinvent itself as a Singapore-style supercharged economy.”

The Week said “there are fears that car-makers could scale back or even end production in the UK vehicles could no longer be exported tax-free to Europe were underlined by BMW’s decision to remind its UK employees at Rolls-Royce and Mini of the ‘significant benefit’ EU membership confers.” Likewise, Business for New Europe said tax revenues would drop if companies that do large amounts of business with Europe particularly banks moved their headquarters back into the EU. “Barclays, however, has put forward a worst-case scenario that might benefit the Outers. It says the departure of one of the EU’s most powerful economies would hit its finances and boost populist anti-EU movements in other countries. This would open a “Pandora’s box”, Daily Telegraph said, suggesting that it could lead to the “collapse of the European project.”

The UK would then be seen as a safe haven from those risks, attracting investors, boosting the pound and reduc-

A small group of anti-Brexit protesters protest opposite Downing Street in central London ing the risk that Scotland would “leave the relative safety of the UK for an increasingly uncertain EU”.

Immigration Under EU law, Britain cannot prevent anyone from another member state coming to live in the country, while Britons benefit from an equivalent right to live and work anywhere else in the EU. The result has been a huge increase in immigration into Britain, particularly from eastern and southern Europe.

According to the British Office for National Statistics, there are 942,000 eastern Europeans, Romanians and Bulgarians working in the UK, along with 791,000 western Europeans and 2.93m workers from outside the EU. China and India are the biggest source of foreign workers in the UK. And while the recent pace of immigration has led to some difficulties with housing and service provision, and the net effect becoming overwhelmingly posi-

For Outers, leaving the EU will allow Britain to re-establish itself as a truly independent nation with connections to the rest of the world.

To Inners, Brexit would result in the country giving up its influence in Europe, turning back the clock and retreating from the global power networks of the 21st century

tive, it has been suggested that immigration should be cut dramatically, and the leaving the EU is the only way to “regain control of our borders.”

To Cameron the concessions he won during the renegotiation of Britain’s EU membership will reduce immigration as new arrivals will receive a lower rate of child benefit.

Job loss Pro-EU campaigners have suggested that three million jobs could be lost if Britain goes it alone. However, while “figures from the early 2000s suggest around three million jobs are linked to trade with the European Union,” says Full Fact, “they don’t say they are dependent on the UK being an EU member.”

The truth is a drop in immigration would mean more jobs for the people who remained, but labour shortages could also hold back the economy, reducing its potential for growth.

Stuart Rose, former Marks & Spencer chief executive and a prominent pro-EU campaigner, conceded recently that wages may rise if Britain leaves – which would be good for workers, but less so for their employers.

Writing for the London School of Economics, Professor Adrian Favell says limiting freedom of movement would deter the “brightest and the best” of the continent from coming to Britain and reduce the pool of candidates employers can choose from.

Free movement of people across the EU also opens up job opportunities for British workers seeking to work elsewhere in Europe.

Britain’s place in the world For Outers, leaving the EU will allow Britain to reestablish itself as a truly independent nation with connections to the rest of the world. To Inners, Brexit would result in the country giving up its influence in Europe, turning back the clock and retreating from the global power networks of the 21st century.

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Retirees, dead people draw salaries in Benue —Committee Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

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HE committee constituted by Benue State government on civil service reform has discovered a formula used by civil servants in the state to siphon money from government even with ‘dead’ not exempted.

The committee; ‘Civil Service Reform Committee’ headed by former head of service, Mr Mike Iordye, which submitted its report to Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday, said that

the committee discovered ‘chop alive’ formula some civil servants employ so that when they ‘retire or even die’ they still draw salary from state coffer.

He explained that so much money had been lost to such act just as he regretted that over 295 retired persons including deceased staff and another 439 ghost workers have consistently been on the pay roll of the state.

The committee chairman who was the head of service to immediate past ad-

ministration said that aside the monumental loss to the aforementioned, the state lacked an authentic staff list since creation in 1976.

He described this development as ‘pathetic’, noting that it could be likened to a father not knowing how many children he has, and also condemned the biometric exercise employed by the state government to verify its staff strength, maintaining that it has not helped in that regard.

The committee recommended forensic audit of

staff in the state civil service even as he advised government to implement table payment of staff.

He further urged government to make the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs into a full-fledged ministry, streamline permanent secretaries in the state, privatise or scrap the Benue Television, the Benue Printing and Publishing Company, BPPC, Science and Technology Board and the State Tractor Hiring Agency.

While urging the state government to domesticate the information law, he decried that the ICT has yielded little result, frowning at s situation where lawyers are staff of Health Management Board.

He noted that lack of political will to implement rules and regulations in the civil service has been the bane of growth of service in the state.

Governor Ortom assured that government would comply with recommendations of the report and extended time for the committee to cover the local government areas.

Rivers lawmakers okay new tax bills, upgrade RIVCAS to polytechnic Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

From left, former Special Advisers to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Honourable Bola Ilori; Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr Lanre Adesanya; Osun State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, during the official handing over of customised uniforms for road managers by Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA), sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc, to mark this year’s National Environmental Sanitation Day, at City Hall, Olonkoro, Osogbo, on Tuesday.

UNIBEN suspends post-UTME screening indefinitely THE management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has suspended the ongoing Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercise following the Federal Government’s directive on its cancellation by tertiary institutions nationwide.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Micheal Osasuyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) of the suspension on Tuesday in Benin.

“Management has just announced the suspension of the exercise following the Federal Government directive.

“We regret any inconveniency this may have caused parents and prospective students as a new date for the screening will be communicated in due course,” he said.

On the N2,000 post UTME fees, Osasuyi said “no decision has been taken on that.

But all vice chancellors of the universities have been invited to a meeting in Abuja.

“I guess that will be part of the decision that will be taken,’’ he said.

NAN reported that the institution had earlier com-

menced screening for prospective undergraduates on Monday with some of the students writing a computer based test.

Others were already seated for Tuesday’s screening when the announcement of the cancellation was made.

Some of the students who participated in the exercise told NAN that they spent between N3,500 and N5,000 in the purchase of the admis-

sion screening forms, including on-line registration.

They said they had to answer about 75 questions in one hour.

Before the cancellation, the exercise which commenced Monday was slated to end on July 9.

NAN reported that the Federal Ministry of Education had on Monday reiterated the ban on Post-UTME conducted by tertiary

institutions for admission into universities and other higher schools of learning in the country.

“The ban is with immediate effect and under no circumstance should any institution violate the directive. Those who have already advertised for the conduct of the Post-UTME under any guise should stop the exercise immediately,’’ the ministry had said.

Strike paralyses Kogi as banks join Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja FINANCIAL and government activities were completely crippled in Kogi State as commercial banks operating in the state joined the strike called by the organised labour.

Government offices, banks, public primary and secondary schools across the state were closed down following the directive of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that workers should embark on strike from Monday.

A visit to some banks in the state capital, Lokoja,

showed that almost all commercial banks were closed as customers were turned back.

Many of the workers went home disappointed because they were unable to embark on their transactions, while many of the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) were not loaded with money.

The banks were said to have joined the strike in solidarity with the organised labour in the state because they were also affected by one of the major reasons that made civil servants in the state embark on the industrial ac-

tion.

The NLC and the TUC had called out the workers for the strike following the decision of the state government to open salary bank accounts for the workers only in the Zenith Bank and the Access Bank without the workers’ consent.

Apart from this, the workers also declared the industrial action because of non payment of their salaries for the past six months and the sending of some top government functionaries on compulsory leave without any allegation against them.

THE Rivers State Taxes and Miscellaneous Bill, 2016 and Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Bill, 2016 were passed into law by the state House of Assembly, on Tuesday.

This was as the state lawmakers also passed the Port Harcourt Polytechnic Bill into law, upgrading the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, to a polytechnic status.

The state legislature arrived at the decision following a session on the three different reports of the Joint Committee and the Education Committee which were presented on the floor of the House.

In effect, the passage of the tax bills would ensure that people doing any business in Rivers State, including petty traders, were expected to pay taxes, while those involved in the hospitality industry would pay four per cent income of all items consumed in their hotels and restaurants.

Also, with passage into law of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic Bill, RIVCAS would henceforth be known as The Port Harcourt Polytechnic.

The lawmakers, however, could not agree on the percentage to be paid by the hoteliers and restaurant operators, even as two of them insisted on four per cent taxation for the hospitality business.

House Leader, Martin Amaewhule, who opened debate on the bill, said taxes must be paid due to the prevailing economic situation in the state, adding, “Government can only function from monies realised from taxes.”

Nigerian Tribune

Rivers hoteliers seek disconnection over outrageous electricity bills Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt HOTELIERS in Rivers State have called on the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to cut off power supply to their hotels.

The hotel operators, speaking at a meeting held on Tuesday, with a delegation of PHED, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jay McCoskey, disclosed that they were no longer comfortable paying exorbitant bills for erratic power supply.

One of the speakers at the meeting, Mr Eugene Nwauzi, claimed that Hotel Presidential got a bill of N9.8 million for the month of January alone and also expressed worry about the meters allocated to hotels in the state.

He said hotels would not be able to survive in the state if they were forced to pay such huge and outrageous bills, disclosing that a committee had been set up to look at the issue of metres given out to the hotels.

“Hotels in Rivers State have resolved to be disconnected as a result of outrageous bills. They are saying that they cannot meet up with the new tariff from PHED. “The state government, SSS and the state police command are aware of it.

PHED needs us as we need them, but we need their services at an affordable rate.

Many hotels are beginning to get scared.

“We were told to negotiate with PHED. We met with the Head, Corporate Affairs. We told him that the new rate is not acceptable by the Nigerian Hotel Association. He promised to address the matter,” he said.

In the same vein, Mr Kaseem Durotola of Golden Tulip, Port Hacourt, said, “I was planning to take PHED to court. Our electricity bill had gone from N2.5 million to N6 million.

“On the case of cutting us off (disconnection), we need to have a look at it again. What they take in Lagos is lower than what PHED takes here (Port Harcourt).”

In his reaction, the CEO of PHED, Mr McCoskey, said, “Your concerns are correct, but we will do something since it is a business. We cannot on the strength of a letter disconnect anybody.

Instead of doing that, you should write us individually and not as an association.”

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Price of bread may go up —Ibadan bakers

By Tunde Ogunesan

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HE Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Ibadan branch, has appealed to the Federal Government to assist its members by ensuring the stability of price of raw materials used in production of bread, saying if the situation persists, members may be forced to effect an increase in price of bread.

This position was agreed upon by the association members after their emergency meeting held at its Ibadan office beside Molisa Hospital, Academy Motor Park, Olomi Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The association expressed its position by also displaying placards, saying its protest was peaceful, but meant to intimate the Federal Government and the public of an impending decision.

Some of the placards read “price of flour and other bread ingredients is now on the high side,” “Federal Government should look into it,” “We can no longer bear the burden otherwise

Ogun lawmaker challenges court jurisdiction over forgery case Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

A serving lawmaker in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebiyi Adeleye, has challenged the jurisdiction of a Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, to hear a case of forgery instituted against him.

The lawmaker was a 2nd defendant in a case filed by one Wasiu Gbadebo and Onamuyiwa Olumuyiwa.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, counsel to Adeleye, Sunday Adeniyi, told the court, presided over by Justice A.T. Mohammed, that his client had filed a preliminary objection to the effect that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.

He argued that the originating process filed by the respondents was invalid, adding that the suit was not instituted in accordance with due process and that the commencement of the suit by originating summons was improper.

Adeniyi, therefore, sought the court order to strike out the suit on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

the price of loaves will be increased any moment from now.”

The association, in a communiqué jointly signed by its chairman and secretary, Alhaji Rasaq Adelakun and Evangelist Paul Obafemi, stated that the current hike in price of raw materials has become a burden on its members, a development which had denied them appreciable profit in their businesses.

According to the statement, “It has become imperative for our association to bring to the notice of the Federal Government

on how increase in prices of bread ingredients has remained unstable in the market.

“The development has forced our members to struggle to make bread available at affordable prices, despite the unstable market prices of ingredients. While this lasted, our members have remained resolute to ensure that our numerous clients get quality bread at affordable price.

“But we were committed to this course; the continuous hike has made that decision more difficult for

us, hence, our reason to cry out loud to the Federal Government to bail us out in this regard. If this persists, we could be forced to increase the prices of loaves any moment from now.

“It is our wish to bring to the notice of the Federal Government and our esteemed customers that in recent times, prices of ingredients we use in baking have continued to increase.”

The statement, which listed some of the affected ingredients as flour, sugar, yeast, salt, rolls of nylon,

fuel-diesel, EDC, vegetable oil, butter, to mention a few, however, mentioned the range in the price list.

Listing the prices, the statement said “price of flour rose from N7,500 to N10,000; sugar from N8,500 to N11,000; yeast from N3,000 to N7,000; salt from N2,200 to N3,000; nylon roll from N11,000 to N29,000; diesel (litre) from N130 to N180; EDC per 20 litre from N13,000 to N19,000; vegetable oil/ preservative from N11,000 to N22,000; sachet of butter from N100 to N150; among others.”

Members of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Ibadan branch, during their peaceful protest in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Oyo Assembly approves N14.1bn FG loan for Ajimobi

By Wale Akinselure

THE Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the state government’s application for N14.16 billion loan facility from the Federal Government’s N510 billion guaranteed loan.

The Assembly had on Tuesday held an emergency plenary to consider the request as contained in a letter sent by the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

The resolution of the Assembly on the loan was

part of the conditions set by the Federal Ministry of Finance in granting the loan facility to states.

The N14.16billion loan facility which was spread across 12 months would see the state get N1.39 billion monthly for the first three months and N1.11 billion for the following nine months.

Oyo State would begin repayment of the loan from year 2018 as the Federal Government has granted a one year moratorium to states.

The letter, in part read, “In view of the current fiscal situation of the state and acting on the advice of the National Executive Council (NEC) to all state governments and governors, the Oyo State government is to apply for funds from the budget support facility from the Federal Ministry of Finance in the sum of N14.16 billion. The facility will be made available in three tranches of N1.39 billion for the first three months followed by N1.11 billion for another

Oyo CP rates Ibadan City Poly high

By Olaide Sokoya

THE Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeleye Oyebade, has rated Ibadan City Polytechnic as one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.

He made this remark during a day working visit to the Polytechnic at Alakia-Isebo Road, Ibadan.

According to him; “I have heard a lot about Ibadan City Polytechnic and I have seen things for myself and concluded that this is just the beginning of better things

to come. This is a wonderful place with good environment and qualitative education.”

He commended the efforts of the Proprietor of Ibadan City Polytechnic, Mr Amos Ajanaku, for his visionary leadership quality, making education accessible to all and running a free hostel accommodation for all students.

Mr Leye Oyebade also pointed out that students should be diligent in their studies because proper planning prevents poor

academic performance.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police also noted that the current realities have revealed that Polytechnic education remained the key to national growth and economic recovery in Nigeria.

He later advised the students to seek God’s direction in anything they are doing as emphasised in the foundation of Ibadan City Polytechnic since He remains the protector and sustainer of human beings and organisations.

nine months.”

While stamping the Assembly’s approval of the government’s request, Speaker, Oyo House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, advocated for more inward-looking to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Adeyemo, who said that the loan would be devoted to the payment of salaries, urged the labour movement to consider the move of the state government as a genuine act of goodwill towards ending the current impasse between the labour movement and the state government.

In their contributions, members were unanimous in noting the need for the state to shore up its IGR to reduce reliance on bailouts and allocations of the Federal Government.

Honourable Fatai Adesina, Ibadan South East II constituency, argued that the National Executive Council should also look at other ways to address the continued fiscal challenge facing states, and the country, in general.

Be closer to God, cleric tells Nigerians THE head of women in the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Oyo Province Six, Ibadan headquarter, Pastor Bola Arije, has called on Nigerians to pray fervently and move more closely to God, saying that that was the only way to ensure peaceful co-existence and also see the mercy of God in Nigeria.

While speaking at the annual Good Women Convention, which was held at the Oyo Province Six headquarters, Ibadan, on Sunday, Pastor Arije expressed her sincere appreciation to those who came to grace the occasion with them, praying that the hand of God would never depart from their lives.

She, however, called on women to be more submissive, supportive and be good partners to their husbands, stressing that that was the only way to sustain the unity, oneness and progress of their family. She later congratulated all the good women that came and participated in the women convention.

Her words, “we have different zones and parishes in which we gather together every year. I want to thank my husband who is the provincial Pastor, all the parishes pastors.

To them all, I say a very big thank you.”

2016 annual vacation for Oyo judiciary starts July 18 THE 2016 annual vacation for the Oyo State judiciary is to last from July 18 to September 13, 2016.

The state’s Chief Judge, Justice M. L. Abimbola, gave this approval in consonance with the powers of Paragraph 4 (d) of Order 45 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2010.

Abimbola, in the statement personally signed, however, noted that, during the period of the vacation, “civil actions may be heard where such actions are urgent, or a judge, at the request of all the parties concerned, agrees to hear such actions.”

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Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

We did not endorse Makarfi’s caretaker committee —PDP state chairmen Sheriff appoints Ojuogboh acting deputy chairman

Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja TATE chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, debunked the claim by the Senator Ahmed Makarfiled national caretaker committee that they have endorsed the committee.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja and signed by Chief Adebayo Dayo, Ogun State chairman of the party, on behalf of others.

“Our attention has been drawn to reports in a section of the media suggesting that the chairmen of state chapters of our great party, the PDP, met with and endorsed the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee.

“We want to state in very clear terms that this is false and a complete misrepresentation of our position on the current challenges in our party, as the state chairmen had, at no time, endorsed the said caretaker committee.

“What happened was that some state chairmen were in Abuja for a routine meeting on Monday, June 27, to brainstorm ways of finding a lasting solution for the challenges in our party.

S

“At the meeting, it was resolved that a discussion should be brokered among the critical stakeholders.

However, as we were leaving after the meeting, the Senator Makarfi group was coming in for their own meeting at the same venue and had brief discussion with some of us.

“We wish to state that at no time in that discussion did the chairmen endorse the caretaker committee as being circulated by some quarters.

“For the avoidance of

doubt, we know that there is no provision for a national caretaker committee in the PDP constitution and as such we cannot in anyway whatsoever endorse such.

“We are aware that the May 21, 2016 scheduled national convention of our great party did not hold, following the pronouncement of the court, leading to the suspension of the national convention by the National Working Committee (NWC).

“As leaders of the party,

we pledge our loyalty to the provisions of the constitution of our party and the ruling of the court, which have continued to recognise Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the PDP. “As at today, Senator Sheriff holds office as the national chairman of the PDP and any claim by the said caretaker committee remains, to the extent of our constitution, a complete nullity.” the statement read.

Meanwhile, state chair-

men of the party loyal to the leadership of Senator Sheriff met in Abuja, on Tuesday, and passed vote of confidence on him as the authentic chairman of the party.

Prince Boroye Biyi, Ondo State chairman of the party, while moving the motion for vote of confidence on behalf of the chapter chairmen, said the decision was based on the fact that PDP had come back to life since Sheriff became the national chairman.

Continued on page 34

From left, Mr Foluso Adeagbo, Managing Director, Gabfol Lounge Limited; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Olori Wuraola, on arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, from New York, United States, aboard Arik Air, on Tuesday.

AWDROP national exco condemns false information by Oyo BODAN Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare THE national executive of the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), and its Oyo State Chairman, Mr Kolawole Olayinka, an engineer, has denied information being peddled around by another association identified as the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), claiming that its members were almost kidnapped by members of AWDROP. The association stated that this information was false in its entirety, adding that BODAN and its head, Samuel Afolabi, were out to confuse the people and discredit AWDROP, which is the body identified legally by government at all levels.

According to AWDROP, the association, last month, at a meeting of the National Council on Water Resources in Abuja, agreed with government agencies to work at ensuring standard and high hygienic level in their activities, adding that the body was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with based laid practices in all the 36 states

of the federation.

They explained that it was in the course of carrying out the membership regulation assignment that the Oyo State task force of AWDROP met some Lebanese working at Elebu area of Ibadan and asked for their permit and geophysical survey of the borehole they were drilling.

The executives stated that

rather than produce the said document, they stated that they belonged to BODAN and consequently AWDROP had no right to query them, after which the task force members insisted that they either produced the required documents or stop work.

They explained that the site owner tried to intervene and

they insisted that they either produced the required document or faced the penalty; seizure of their rig for six months and the payment of N500, 000 into the coffers of the Oyo State government as penalty in line with an earlier agreement with government.

AWDROP added that rather than settle the case, the BODAN head told them not

to pay and invited the police that they were kidnappers on their site at Elebu, trying to kidnap their members.

According to them, the police came and took them to Orita Police station where the Divisional Police Officer, after hearing the circumstance, cautioned them about creating unnecessary tension in the state.

Reduce battlefronts, Secondus tells Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE immediate past deputy national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has charged All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, headed

by President Muhammadu Buhari, to desist from causing more problems for the country.

He also advised the party and President Buhari to tackle the myriad of problems it had already created.

In a statement made available to the media in Abuja, on Tuesday, he noted that rather than striving to address the major socio-economic issues weighing down Nigerians, “due to the confu-

sion and lack of direction of the government in the last one year, the APC is rather busy creating more battlefronts and compounding the challenges of the country.”

He added that “today, under APC leadership, the country has become a whole theatre of acrimony, with agitations here and there and no clear sign of solution in sight, forcing political watchers to question if the country is disintegrating.

“Even the Boko Haram issue that was supposed to be progressing well has run into troubled waters, because of the confusion in the ruling party.

“Ditto the Federal Government’s anti-corruption fight, which is even skewed due

to insincerity, as ministers already confirmed to be corrupt internationally continue to move untouched while governors with immunity are harassed daily.

“Rather than confront the various challenges overwhelming the country, APC is currently bleeding, soaked in its own greed and the obvious consequence is that a house divided against itself is bound to fall and the party is already falling.”

The former acting national chairman of the PDP said the Federal Government under Buhari’s watch was gradually eroding all indices of democratic principles, especially those anchored on the rule of law and separation of power, as it had continued to

violate all rules of free speech as enshrined in our status.

He advised Buhari to respect various organs of governance and “stop seeing himself as the Lord Mayor of state governors and the National Assembly, as this will amount to dictatorship.”

According to Secondus, while the Federal Government created more and more problems, it left unattended to, very critical projects.

“For example, after the hype created by the government on the clean-up of Ogoniland, nothing is happening on the project while Governor Nyensom Wike massive opening up of Ogoni roads neglected over the years is evident,” he observed.

Nigerian Tribune

Group carpets opposition over N84 bn Oyo allocation

A socio-political organisation in Oyo State, The Ajumose Coalition Movement (ACM), which comprises 168 associations and groups in the state, has raised an alarm over an orchestrated plans by the oppositions-led by the Accord Party to malign the Governor Ajimobi-led administration through unfounded rumours and falsification of facts, claiming that N84 billion was released to Oyo State government during one year of Buhari-led Federal Government.

In a release, during the week in Ibadan through the coordinator of the movement and Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said oppositions were going round saying that Oyo State collected N84 billion and the governor intentionally refused to pay workers’ salary. This was a calculated attempt by the authors to paint the Ajimobi-led administration as irresponsible and insensitive to the plight of workers in the state.

Olatubosun said the clarification became imperative, when one looks at the impact this would have on the people of the state.

“For the purpose of clarity, the alleged 84 billion naira collected from the federation account was meant for both the state and entire 33 local governments while 42 billion naira was received by the state and the remaining 42 billion naira was for 33 local governments in the state.

Court vacates restriction on Ekiti PDP exco Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti THE Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti division, on Tuesday vacated an order it earlier granted restricting the executive of Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from acting as such.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo in a ruling vacated the order it granted a faction of the party led by Mr William Ajayi, in May, following an application by the Chief Gboyega Oguntuase-led part of the party.

The court vacated the order following the application by Oguntuase to vacate the order, and following the fact that there was no counter order.

Jackson Adebayo, spokesperson of the PDP in Ekiti State, said “the implication of the court decision is that the authentic leadership of the PDP in the state is now clearer than before and there are no factions.”

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IDPs: Shettima berates NGOs for defrauding foreign philanthropists Bodunrin Kayode - maiduguri

B

ORNO State governor, Kashim Shettima, has accused some nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), in the state of defrauding foreign philanthropists under the pretence of trying to help victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

He condemned the donor agencies on Monday,

while delivering an address at a high level emergency roundtable on the humanitarian crisis in Borno State, held at Abuja.

The governor said that “most of the pictures of malnurished children and some adults in circulation over the social media within the last few weeks, have been those of victims recently rescued by the armed forces from Boko

Haram members, who held them hostage for years.”

He condemned some NGOs, who go in search of such victims with their pctures with the aim of targeting unsuspecting philanthropists to part with funds for the purpose of helping the displayed persons, while the funds end up in private pockets.

“I need to open up here by saying that in the midst of credible organisations try-

ing to help us in Borno State, we have seen instances of some ‘business groups’ masquerading as NGOs smiling to banks on the agony of our people.

“I do not mean to disrespect any sincere NGO but there are those I have seen, whose only interest is to go round Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) camps and figure out sick infants, pose for the cameras with them

From left, mother of the best graduating student of Covenant University and Editor, Saturday Punch, Mrs Olabisi Deji-Folutile; the award winner, Winner Esooluwa Deji-Folutile and his father, Dr Joseph Deji-Folutile, during the convocation ceremony of the university, in Ota, Ogun State, on Friday.

and upload on the social media mainly to attract funding from concerned philanthropists abroad.

“I think these children, bad as their situation might be, deserve to be respected, no matter how much we want to help. We must respect the dignity of conflict victims as much as we desire to be respected as humans” he said.

Shettima also reacted to a statement credited to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also called doctors without borders, who said there was acute malnutrition at Bama camp.

It is pertinent to mention that the MSF statement issued last week ignored the fact that interventions were already being made to address cases of malnutrition at the Bama camp.

Such interventions include “over 100 children were hospitalised out of over 1000 malnourished children and adults evacuated from Bama and placed under special care in Maiduguri.

The Federal Government promised an immediate health response in Borno State as announced by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, who was equally present with many other stakeholders.

Ambode begs multinational, blue chip firms to return to Lagos Island Business District Bola Badmus - Lagos

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, appealed to multinational and blue chip companies operating in the country to return to the Lagos Island Business District, so as to uplift its status to global standard.

The governor made this appeal at a one-day stakeholders’ forum tagged,

”Toward a Lagos Island CBD Renaissance: Meaningful insights and commitment,” held in Lagos.

According to Ambode, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, said 85 per cent of business activities in the country take place in the district, saying that the forum was aimed at chart-

ing a new way forward for the revitalisation of the CBD to recoup its lost glory.

Governor Ambode said that despite the challenges, efforts were been geared towards having an effective business district that would propel economic growth in the state.

“Lagos Island had always been a focal point of con-

Former Nasarawa gov fails to get acquittal judgment in court over N15bn EFCC’s case Godwin Agwam- Lafia

FORMER governor of Nasarawa State and senator representing Nasarawa West at the National Assembly, Abdullahi Adamu, has failed in his bid to secure an acquittal judgment from the Federal High Court in Lafia.

Senator Adamu was arraigned in 2010 alongside 12 others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), over misappropriation of N15 billion state funds while he was in office as a governor.

But, the lead counsel of EFCC, Manchi Danji, on May 28, 2016, filed an application for the withdrawal

of the case, which was accepted by the lead counsel of the respondents, Yusulf Goodluck, who also sought for an acquittal alongside the withdrawal request.

Delivering her ruling, on Tuesday, Justice A.A. Okeke, ruled that the case has been discharged following the application of the prosecuting counsel and acceptance of the defendant’s counsel.

She said that the prosecutors withdrew the charge prior to the plea of the defendant to the charges.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune shortly after the ruling, one of the legal practitioners, who

was present in court, said the judge’s ruling means that EFCC can file a fresh charge against Senator Adamu and other accused persons.

vergence for business and commercial activities in Nigeria and the Economic Community of west African States (ECOWAS) sub-region. About 85 per cent of business and commercial activities in Nigeria are domiciled within this Business district,” he said.

“These include financial institutions, commercial and industrial trading companies, transportation, hospitality and entertainment outlets, as well as an abundance of small and medium scale entrepreneurs and merchants,” he added.

Amobode noted that the businesses and commercial activities converged to

synergise and enhance the economic potential of the state.

“In the last one year, the CBD has received government attention. This has resulted in noticeable ease of traffic and enhanced security.

“In the next few months to come, this district will witness tremendous transformation with the completion of the Blue Rail Line system and the ongoing reconstruction of the Marina axis,” he said.

Earlier, the Special Adviser (SA) to the governor on CBD, Mr Agboola Dabiri, had said that the Blue Rail from Okokomaiko to CMS would commence before the end of the year.

PDP crisis: Lamido exonerates APC, SGF, Atiku Adamu Amadu - Dutse

FORMER Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has dismissed the rumour that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is behind the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over leadership.

The ex-governor said this while addressing news men shortly after breaking fast with PDP state executive members in his village ,Bamaina Birninkudu Lo-

cal Government Area of the state.

The PDP chieftain exonerated APC chieftains, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Secretary to the Federal government (SGF), Mr David Babachiya, from the crisis.

“I heard that some people were alleging that Atiku is supporting Ali Modu Sherif while SGF is behind Ahmed Makarfi. This is not true,” he said.

He said that the PDP leadership crisis is an internal crisis without any external forces, “the PDP is beyond that,” he said.

“None of them is leaving PDP. They are all fighting to control party leadership, he added.

He, therefore, urged all party members in the country and in diaspora, to remain loyal and work for the unity and progress of the party.

IGP deploys special task force in Kogi Chris Agbambu - Abuja

ACTING Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the immediate deployment of a special strike force in Kogi State, to combat the menace of kidnapping and other crimes within the state and its environs.

Idris said the deployment of the special force became imperative, as the Nigeria Police could no longer watch innocent citizens suffer in the hands of dreaded criminals rampaging within Kogi State and its environs.

He further said with the presence of the force, Kogi State and its environs would enjoy peace and tranquillity, but, however, advised those deployed never to turn themselves as demi-gods, but servants to the people.

The police helmsman urged members of the public to avail the special force with desired cooperation and assistance.

Kwara revenue service employed 528 graduates as tax collectors in 6 months Biola Azeez - Ilorin

KWARA State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), has given direct employment to 528 university graduates as tax collectors in the last six months.

Speaking on the activities of the new revenue agency in Ilorin, on Tuesday, the chairman of KWIRS, Dr Muritala Awodun, said about 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, had already been created to improve tax collection and administration in the state.

The KWIRS boss, who said that the agency also planned to recruit more qualified people, added that the step would assist in covering more areas.

He also said that the revenue agency had collected about N8.09 billion between January and June as against N7.2 billion realised by the former internal board of revenue in 2015.

Dr Awodun, who reiterated that the revenue agency had not introduced new taxes nor intended to inflict burden on residents, said that it had only intensified efforts to block leakages He identified some of the challenges facing the organisation to include rumour peddling against activities of the agency, sharp practices among some ministries’ officials and resistance by people.

33

news

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Wike leads security agencies to demolish cultists’ hideout Vows to build police station, barracks on lands recovered from cultists Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, in company of soldiers and policemen, supervised the demolition of the home and hideout of Munachim Ihunwo, an arrested suspected notorious cultist

in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on Tuesday.

This was as the governor directed the immediate demolition of property acquired through the crimes in line with the state anti-kidnapping

and cultism law, in line with his determination to rid the state of cultism and kidnapping.

The governor said any suspect arrested would face the full weight of the law, and informed that the arrested suspected

cultist and his boys had terrorised the local government area, creating insecurity in the commercial zone of the state.

Wike restated his offer of amnesty to cultists and kidnappers who surrender their arms to secu-

Demolition of cultists hideout at Rumuolumini, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Tuesday.

rity agencies and commit themselves to honest living, but warned that his administration had zerotolerance for cultism and kidnapping.

“The Rivers State government has taken over the criminal hideout of these arrested cultists.

After the ongoing demolition of their hideout, we will build a police station and mini barracks in this location. We have also taken over the home of the kingpin that we have also demolished.

“This is to let members of the public know that this administration is serious. We will not allow anyone to cause insecurity in this state. We will chase criminals to their hideout and stop crime.

Let them submit their arms and we will give them amnesty,” he said.

Governor Wike further declared that the state government would continue to demolish the homes and hideouts of confirmed cultists and kidnappers to serve as a deterrent to would-be cultists and kidnappers.

I won’t borrow money to pay workers’ salaries —Niger gov Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

Niger State government has said it will no longer borrow money to pay the salaries of its workforce, charging the state civil servants on prudence in resource management.

The state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, made the declaration on Tuesday, at a stakeholders meeting, held at the Government House, Minna, He stated that some issues in the state were crucial and needed to be treated with the deserved urgency,explaining that the major sources of revenue for the state is the

monthly allocation from the Federation Account and the Internally Generated Revenue.

Abubakar Bello, however, noted that the Federal Government had drastically reduced the monthly statutory allocations to the state.

The governor, who told the stakeholders in attendance at the meeting that in the past seven years, the state was receiving over N5 billion to N11 billiion allocations, saying the state was receiving far below N2 billion monthly. He said the crude oil price reduction at the International

market caused the shortfall in the monthly allocations, due to the vandalism of crude oil flow stations in the creeks of the Niger Delter region, by militants in the region.

He added that there is a bond between him and the

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Toyin Suarau, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to encourage fruit farming through the expansion of existing arable crops estate in Lagos.

Suarau made this known on Tuesday, at a press briefing to commemorate the International Fruit Day celebration in Lagos.

He noted that as part of efforts to encourage fruit farming and cultivation of crops and fruits in large scale, the state government

established vegetable estates at Agbowa and Iya-Afin in Ikosi-Ejirin and Badagry local council and local government areas, respectively.

He added that the land had been surveyed and allocated to interested individuals and organisation, stressing that this was in line with the vision of making the nation a foremost fruits export country in Africa while creating job opportunities.

Suarau stated that Lagos is in the forefront in the use of technology to produce fruits and vegetables, noting that the state introduced greenhouse technology as part of

consume the entire state monthly allocation,” the governor said.

He also explained that apart from paying salaries of the state civil servants, the state has other infrastructural developments to work on.

Nationwide strike looms in federal, state hospitals

By Sade Oguntola

The Nigerian Union of Allied Healthcare Professionals, on Tuesday, ended its seven-day warning strike with a warning that a nationwide strike would commence if the Federal Government failed to accede to the demands of the

Lagos reiterates commitment to fruit farming Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba

citizens of the state, promising that he would strive hard to improve their wellbeing.

“So, now as a governor I have to fulfil that promise of meeting their demands but not a group of people whose monthly salary will

efforts to increase fruit production per hectare in its arable farms.

“I therefore encourage farmers and fruit marketers to use technology to ensure that fruit and vegetables are handled, preserved and transported in hygienic condition,” the Commissioner said.

Suarau explained that the two-day activities would hold on Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd of July, 2015 at the Ministry of Environment Garden, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, AlausaIkeja with the theme, “Our Fruit, Our Wealth”.

union.

National president of the union, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, who addressed the press at the University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan where he announced the expiration of the ultimatum given to the Federal Government, said the union was still awaiting government’s circular to implement an agreement on the adjusted salary of all health professionals, as it had been done for members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Among the demands of the union, yet to be met by the Federal Government are payment of arrears on skipping of CONHESS 10 since 2010 in compliance with a court judgment, promotion of some NUAHP members from CONHESS 14 to 15 and appointment of members as Chief Medical Directors of various tertiary hospitals as against permanent

ceding of the position to members of NMA alone.

The body also alleged that some departments of government hospitals were being privatised, adding that it would take healthcare services away from the reach of common man.

While explaining that NUAHP members would wait a few more days to ascertain the position of the Federal Government on its demands, Ogbonna said strike was the last option on its card, adding that it was regrettable that it has been the only action that could bring government to the negotiating table.

He said the issues raised by the union had been in existence since the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Today (Tuesday) is the last day of the warning strike and from all indications the Federal Government is not ready to meet our demands,” he said.

Onu to deliver 56th Ghana Independence anniversary lecture tomorrow Ademola Adegbite- Abuja

THE Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, is to deliver the 2016 “Republic Day” Lecture of Ghana, as part of activities marking the 56th anniversary of Ghana’s independence.

Ghana which gained independence from Britain on March 6, 1957 and became a Republic on March 1, 1960, invited the minister through Honourable Mhaha Ayaringa, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology for the lecture scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 30, 2016.

The theme for this year’s lecture being “Technology, the key to African Development”, would be climaxed by a State Lunch in honour of Ghana’s Senior Citizens, on Friday, July 1, 2016 of which the minister would also be part of.

UN releases N3.7bn to IDPs

The United Nations Humanitarian Chief, Mr Stephen O’Brien, has released about N3.7 billion ($13million) as life-saving support to the 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East of Nigeria.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who announced this in a statement, said the money was released by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

“United Nations humanitarian Chief Stephen O’Brien has released US$13 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to provide life-saving assistance to 250,000 people in parts of the North-East of Nigeria.

“The destruction of crops and looting of livestock have left many people unable to support their families.

“More than 50,000 people need seeds and tools for the upcoming planting season. Women, girls, men and boys have suffered or witnessed terrible abuses.

“CERF funds will enable humanitarian partners to provide critical psychosocial support and protection services. CERF funding will help them to rebuild their livelihoods,’’ it said.

According to the statement, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria was revised upwards by N14.3 billion ($51 million) this month, and currently needs N78.4 billion (about $279 million).

34 news Fresh crisis over Edo APC running mate

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Banji Aluko - Benin City

A

fresh crisis is brewing in Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) over which zone to produce the running mate to the candidate of the

party in the September 10 governorship election.

After losing out to the Edo South senatorial district in the race for the gubernatorial ticket, APC stalwarts in Edo Central had expected that they would be compensated with the running

mate ticket, but indications emerged that the party may be focusing on Edo North.

It was gathered that the leadership of the party may be looking in the direction of the lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constit-

Gunmen kill 4 in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

GUNMEN, on Monday, attacked Gurguzu village of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving four dead and several others injured after the attack.

The hoodlums, according to findings, had stormed the community around 5.50 p.m. and started attacking the residents of the area.

A source revealed that in the process, they killed a farmer and three other

persons, while several others sustained varying degree of injuries.

As of the time of filing this report, no fewer than 500 residents of the area had taken refuge in a primary school at Rigasa.

Speaking on the attack, an Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations at the state police command, Ahmed Abdullahi, said normalcy had returned to the area.

“Immediately we received a report on the attack, we deployed our men

in the area. As I am talking to you now, our men are on patrol,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state government has advised residents to remain calm, saying the government is doing its best to control the situation.

A statement from the governor’s media aide, Samuel Aruwa, counselled the people of the area to go about their normal businesses, adding that the police had launched manhunt for perpetrators of the crime.

We did not endorse Makarfi’s committee —PDP state chairmen Continued from page 31

The motion was seconded

by Alhaji Lawal Gana, Yobe State chairman of the party.

Senator Sheriff, who earlier addressed the chairmen, said those present were authentic state chairmen of PDP, while he accused the chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Yunisa Suleiman, of lying to the chairmen that he was not around to receive them.

Sheriff admitted that he received a call from the FCT chairman but denied that he told him (Suleiman) he would not be around to receive the chapter chairmen.

According to him, 18 state chairmen were present at the meeting, while

two called that they would not make it.

Sheriff dismissed the claim that 24 party chairmen endorsed Makarfi, adding that only 14 chairmen endorsed him (Makarfi), going by the available records at his disposal.

Boboye explained that the chairmen had resolved to meet with both Makarfi and Sheriff so as to resolve the leadership crisis in the party.

In another development, Senator Sheriff has appointed Dr Cairo Ojuogboh as the acting national deputy chairman of the party.

Ojuogboh is the immediate past vice chairman (South-South) of the PDP, whose tenure was brought to an end by the May 21 national convention in Port

Troops raid armed bandits’ camp in Zamfara Chris Agbambu-Abuja

TROOPS of 223 Battalion, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, deployed in Bena, on Tuesday, raided and destroyed suspected cattle thieves and armed bandits camps in Zamfara State.

The raided camps were located at a forest in Rikwa village, Maru Local Government Area of the state.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the troops recovered three locallymade pistols, two dane guns, four AK-47 magazines and 97 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

They also recovered some stolen animals

which include 147 cows, 432 sheep, two goats and a camel.

Harcourt, Rivers State.

His appointment was conveyed to him in a letter signed by Sheriff and former national secretary of the party, Professor Olawale Oladipo.

“Please, be informed that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, in a meeting held on the 28th of June 2016, and having received nomination from the Concerned PDP Stakeholders (Abuja Convention Group) and major stakeholders in the South-South, has appointed you (Ojuogboh) as the acting deputy national chairman of the party, pending the conduct of election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the erstwhile deputy national chairman.

“This appointment takes immediate effect,” the letter read.

It urged Ojougboh to discharge his function with dedication, to ensure the progress of the party.

uency, Honourable Phillip Shaibu, for endorsement by the APC caucus.

The development, however, may not go down well with APC stalwarts in the Edo Central, who had warned the APC leadership in the state that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may sweep polls in the district if the party should allocate the running mate slot to Edo North.

They argued that the Central zone was yet to come to terms with the loss of speakership to the Edo South last month, adding that scheming the zone out of things could spell doom for APC. It was also gathered that APC leaders in Owan and Akoko-Edo local government areas of the state were also complaining that Etsako area of the Edo

North had always hijacked political offices coming to the zone, while asking that it must not be the terms of Etsako again, should the running mate slot be zoned to the North.

When contacted, the state publicity secretary of APC, Comrade Erhahon, said he would support whoever the party nominates as running mate to Obaseki.

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35

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Oyelakin Kehinde Wajad am the same person as Oyelakin Kehinde Bunmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OYELAKIN KEHINDE WAJAD. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Raheem Alabi now ALABI RAIMI. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

I, Mr Adeyemo Michael Olusegun am the same person bearing Adeyemo Olusegun.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMO OLUSEGUN. The correct date of birth is 5th day of March, 1967. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Kazeem Yusuf Adetoyese now MR SAFIRIYU KAZEEM ADETOYESE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Jimoh Omolade Taibat now MRS OLUWATOBA OMOLADE FOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Olaleye Toyin Isaac am the same person bearing FADIORA TOYIN ISAAC OLALEYE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

FCMB, Diamond Bank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Abidemi Adefunke now MRS ADE-OMINUGA ABIDEMI ADEFUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aderonke Adepeigba now ADERONKE AREWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Folorunso Ajibola Victoria am the same person bearing Folorunsho Victoria and also Ajibola Victoria Folorunso. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FOLORUNSO AJIBOLA VICTORIA. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Daniel Patience Kingsley now MR DANIEL PATIENCE JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bello Latifat Olaide now BASIRU LATIFAT DESTINY. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aladetohun Stella Folake now MRS OMOTUNDE STELLA FOLAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Sade Olaiya now MRS OMOSEKE SANNI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Oshiba Rebecca Olubunmi now MRS RISIKAT OGUNLANA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Akinbode Akinwale D. now MR AKINBODE AKINWALE DAVID. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mary Omowumi Adediran now ADEDIRAN MUIBAT OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Funmi Aderayo Olutayo now MRS FUNMI ADERAYO ADEYEMO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly Idoko Ladi, am the same person as Idoko Ladi Awube.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as IDOKO LADI AWUBE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, GTBank Plc, IBTC and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Adebayo Adenike am the same person bearing Hamzat Fasilatu Nike. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO ADENIKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ogwoni Lydia Oluwabamidele am the same person bearing Ogwoni Lydia B.. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OGWONI LYDIA OLUWABAMIDELE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Amamchukwu Richard Onyeka now AMAMCHUKWU ARINZE ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Osanyingbemi Oluseun Olusegun now ERIOLU OLUSEUN OLUSEGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewumi Yetunde Olubukola now MRS OLADIMEJI YETUNDE OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olutunde Olajumoke Abimbola now MRS ADEBOWALE GLORIA OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Yusuff Mujidat Opeyemi am the same person as Yusuff Mujidat.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as YUSUFF MUJIDAT OPEYEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Basiru Latifat Nike now MRS OKUNLOLA MARY NIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oluwasanmi Deborah Ayanbunmi Bosede Kehinde (nee Ajayi) now OLUWASANMI DEBORAH AYANBUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB Osun, LGEA Iwo, Osun State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Isa-Yusuf Rashida Shalewa now MRS TOPE-OWOLEWA RASHIDA SHALEWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Emmanuel Dayo Oreofe now DAIRO EMMANUEL FEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akande Adeola Ruth now OYEWUSI ADEOLA RUTH. All former documents remain valid. Kwara State College of Education and general public take note.

I, Joseph Abiodun Daniel am the same person bearing Prince Obademi Daniel. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as PRINCE OBADEMI DANILE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Ajaokuta Steel Complex and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Rebecca Yahaya now MRS REBECCA SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Azeez Oluranti Racheal now BAKARE OLURANTI RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Fasanya Abiodun Odebunmi now MR. STEPHEN SANYAOLU ODEBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aifuwa Edith Ekinadoese now MRS OMOWARE EDITH EKINADOESE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Omoseye Grace Obasa now MRS OMOSEYE GRACE OGUNDIYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Apadija Grace Abosede now MRS FANIYI GRACE ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adijat Rafiu now SHITTU KHADIJAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Otivhia Mary Edererukaye now OTIVHIA MARY EDERUKEYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ebimo Amamiogiren, Ebisco Lube and Elison Amamiogiren now LUBE EBIMO K. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Azubueze Izechukwu Valentine now AZUBUEZE IZUCHUKWU VALENTINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Odibo Kisky now MAXWELL YOROKIRI. My correct date of birth was is 20th June, 1974. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oluwatosin Olajumoke Akinfenwa now MRS OLUWATOSIN OLAJUMOKE OSASONA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Bilesanmi Sunkanmi Oluwagbemiga now BILESANMI SUNKANMI OLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olugbemi Olutundun Olubukade now MRS OGUNMOLA O L U T U N D U N OLUBUKADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Edojah Aghogho Nicholas now OJEVWE AGHOGHO NICHOLAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adegbemi Toyibat Bolanle now MRS YEKEEN TAIBAT BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Iwuoha Ijeoma Concelia now MRS ACHIKE IJEOMA CONCELIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Afeni Temitope Mary now MRS ILORI TEMITOPE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ese Isaac am the same person bearing Ogheneovo Eseoghene Princess. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ESE ISAAC. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, Miss Akinboyewa Taye am the same person bearing AKINBOYEWA TAIWO MARY. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

This Box is for Sale

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Oyebamiji Mutiu am the same person bearing Oyebamiji Mutiu Kolawole. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OYEBAMIJI MUTIU KOLAWOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sakirat Olateju now AJEWOLE BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adesoye Olajesu Oyebamiji now OYEBAMIJI ADESOYE RUFUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Owolabi Olubunmi Olabisi now MRS ISIAKA OLUBUNMI OLABISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Olaku Aishat Oluwaseun now MRS ABDULAHI AISHAT OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mojisola Mustapha am the same person bearing Mojisola Asake Haroun. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MOJISOLA ASAKE HAROUN. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olude Omolara Foluke now AYODELE OMOLARA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Badmus Omobola Opeyemi now GBADAMOSI MUNIRAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Hameed Sakirat Aina now ADEBAYO SAKIRAT AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Michael William now OKOJIE EDWARD. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Agbara Diana now MRS OLAREWAJUOWOYEMI DIANA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc, EcoBank Plc, Adekunle Ajasin University and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Salau Sikiru am the same person bearing Sikiru Akanfe. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as SALAU SIKIRU. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, wrongly addressed as Mr Adigun Foloransho by my pension managers, ARM wish to be addressed correctly as MR ADIGUN FOLORUNSO SOLOMON BABATUNDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

36 news

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

Delta signs MoU for lotto to increase revenue

Kogi: Bello’s emergence for a purpose —Kumuyi

Alphonsu Agborh-Asaba

Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja THE General-Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry worldwide, Pastor Williams F. Kumuyi, has advocated unflinching support for the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, noting that his emergence was for a purpose.

Speaking in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, during a visit to the Government House, the clergyman said Bello’s emergence was perfected by God for a purpose in the history of the 25-years old State.

Kumuyi, who said he was in Lokoja for a one day crusade with the theme: “Night of Miracle Explosion”, that would bring down the mighty power of God upon the people, however urged people of the state to pray and rally support for Bello to enable him fulfill the plans of God for the state.

He said, “I believe that our coming here will be a great blessing for this state.

“We pray that his time will witness peace, progress and prosperity for Kogi State.”

Bello described the clergyman’s visit to Kogi as wonderful and a dream come true for himself and people of the state.

The governor stated: “I said this because, this a holy month and receiving a holy man of God, from the Christian faith in this holy month of Ramadan is indeed a wonderful period. This a man of God I have always dreamt of meeting. Why did I say that, because when I was in the primary school, I read one of his books that he wrote, “Examine Yourself”.

From that moment, I had always examined myself in the things I do”.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left) and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade (right), decorating the governor’s escort commander, Julius Bolarinwa, with his new rank of Superintendent of Police, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Workers drag Wike to court over unpaid salaries Austin Ebipade -Yenagoa

N

O fewer than 254 workers, whose salaries had been stopped since February 2016, have dragged the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) sitting in Bayelsa State.

The workers, who are teachers of primary and secondary demonstration schools of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic,

Bori, have prayed the court to compel the government to pay their salaries. Wike, had reportedly announced in February 2016, that the state government would no longer pay the salaries of primary and secondary school teachers of demonstration schools of RSUST and other designated institutions, where pupils and students pay school fees.

The teachers, 102 of RSUST, 97 of IAUE and 55 of KSWP, claimed that since Wike’s order in February, their respective institutions have refused to pay their salaries. While the demonstra-

tion schools at KSWP are said to have been shut down since Wike’s directive, those of RSUST and IAUE are yet to be closed down but the affected teachers have remained unpaid for five months.

The claimants (unpaid teachers), in suits NICN/ YEN/87/2016 for IAUE; NICN/YEN/88/2016 for KSWP and NICN/ YEN/89/2016 for RSUST, sued the governor (1st defendant), for ordering the stoppage of their salaries.

The claimants, who prayed the court to declare their appointments valid, also joined Attorney-General of Rivers

Flood kills 60-year-old widower in Edo Banji Aluko -Benin City A 60-year-old widower and an Okada rider, Osarobo Obayuwana, has been killed by flood that ravaged Evbotubu community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to family members, the late Obayuwana, whose wife died about two years ago, slipped into a gully dug by

the sides of the Evbotubu road while returning to his apartment at 13, First Power Line Street, Evbotubu, after buying an item at a location adjacent his house.

The only child of the late Obayuwana, 20-year-old Iziegbe Obayuwana, said she is now an orphan and that her late father was her only benefactor looking after her.

Residents of the area described the incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, as one too many, adding that the gully had consistently claimed lives since it was dug by the Edo State government as part of a water project targeted at making the state flood-free.

They also called on the state government to pay compensation to the family of the late Obayuwana.

JOHESU threatens indefinite nationwide strike

By Nurudeen Alimi THE Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), has declared it would instruct its members across the country to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike action, if the Federal Government fails to implement the May 10, 2016, agreement signed between the Federal Ministry of Health and JOHESU, as soon as possible.

Addressing journalists on behalf of JOHESU during a press conference in Ibadan, on Tuesday, the national President, Nigerian Union of Allied Healthcare Pro-

fessionals (NUAHP), Comrade Dr. Ogbonna Obinna Chimela, hinted that NUAHP/JOHESU had been on a running battle with the Federal Government over the agreement.

Chimela, further noted that the issues in contention, dating as far back as year 2009, included, the urgent need to release a circular implement in the agreement on adjusted salary of all health professionals as done for the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) members, since January, 2014.

He, also held that the abo-

lition of the post of Deputy Chairman, Medical Adisory Committee (DCMAC) since its inception is contrary to the law, while demanding the circularisation of the agreement reached since 2012, on the extension of retirement age from 60-65 or 70 years as applicable to university staff.

JOHESU, also demanded the immediate payment of arrears of specialists’ allowances, to all hospital-based healthcare professionals, who possess relevant qualifications in line with extant law, 1982.

The union, in addition,

wants the immediate release of the circular amending the extant circular for medical laboratory science interns, to include post NYSC placement on gradelevel 09, and the need for upgrading of scale officers across board.

The union resolved that it would not hesitate to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike action, if the Federal Government failed to implement the agreement reached by both parties.

JOHESU, on Tuesday, suspended its 7-day warning strike embarked upon since Tuesday 21, June 2016.

State (2nd defendant), and their various institutions RSUST, IAUE and KSWP (3rd defendant) in the suit.

They, also urged the court to declare that they were entitled to the payments of their respective salaries, allowances and emoluments until they attain their respective ages of retirement.

The claimants also sought declaration that the 1st defendant’s directive, stopping the payment of their salaries with effect from end of February 2016, was unlawful, null and void.

The claimants further sought the order of the NICN, directing the defendants to pay them forthwith the arrears of their respective salaries for the months of February, March, April and subsequent months owed them. They equally sought an order of injunction restraining the defendants from terminating, sacking, disengaging or in any way interfering with their employments.

When the matter came up for mention at the NICN on Tuesday, counsel for the claimants, Mr Damian Okoro, said he had served necessary papers on the defendants since February 16, 2016, wondering that up until now, the defendants had not deemed it necessary to file their processes.

While urging the court for short adjournment, Okoro said his clients(claimants) had been facing severe difficulties since the stoppage of their salaries since February. But the principal state counsel, Okogbule Gbassam, representing the defendants, said he would file the necessary court processes at the next adjourned date.

The court, which ruled that the matter was brought for mention and that the parties had yet to join issues, adjourned the case until 12 of July for hearing.

DELTA State government, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital Gaming Systems Limited to run a Lottery Gaming Company otherwise known as “Delta Lotto.”

This is part of its determination to increase its revenue base, as well as creating opportunities for the youths.

At the signing of the MoU on Tuesday in Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed that rigorous process was involved before it got to the stage of signing the MoU. According to him, “we congratulate ourselves for getting to this stage where we have just signed the MoU; we have been briefed about the whole system and it is heart-warming that there is a great prospect of creating a lot of jobs for our youths.”

Ogboru, ex-Delta Speaker, others join APC Kolawole Daniel -Abuja THE camp of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Delta State swelled on Tuesday as former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2015 poll, Chief Great Ogboru, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei amongst others joined the party.

The defectors were received by the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other members of the national working committee (NEC) of the party at the national secretariat in Abuja.

The defectors while addressing the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) members, pledged to work assiduously to ensure the success of the party in Delta come 2019.

The APC chairman, while addressing the defectors said, “I am today very confident that we have a strong APC in Delta State. I am very confident that we have an energised APC in Delta State. Today, we have in our midst, people who understand what it means to be in power because they had been in power.”

Odigie-Oyegun, urged the defectors to key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to assist in transforming the state.

37

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Brexit vote: Bitter exchanges in

EU parliament debate

T

HE European Parliament’s first debate on the United Kingdom’s vote to leave has been marked by bitter exchanges.

A central figure in the Leave campaign, UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage, was booed, called a liar and

accused of using “Nazi propaganda”.

Mr Farage shot back that the European Union itself was “in denial”.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has arrived in Brussels for his first talks with leaders of the other 27 EU states since Thursday’s referendum.

“I’ll be explaining that Britain will be leaving the European Union but I want that process to be as constructive as possible,” he told reporters before going in to meet his counterparts.

An EU official close to the talks told BBC News the mood was “very, very serious” and a question

David Cameron bombared by photo journalists at the parliament.

Increase in racist attacks after EU referendum BRITAIN “will not tolerate intolerance”, the office of Prime Minister David Cameron has said, after a series of racist incidents were reported following its decision to leave the European Union.

No 10 Downing Street came out on Monday with the warning, less than a week after the country voted to leave the EU in a referendum.

“We should be absolutely clear that this government will not tolerate intolerance ... intimidating migrants, telling them they need to go home,” Cameron’s spokeswoman told journalists.

According to Al Jazeera, the Polish Embassy in London earlier said it was “shocked and deeply concerned” by incidents of abuse directed at Poles and other Eastern Europeans living in England.

They include the posting of laminated cards reading “Leave the EU - no more Polish vermin” to members of the Polish community in Huntingdon, near the eastern city of Cambridge, on Saturday.

There were also reports of racist graffiti scrawled on a Polish community centre in Hammersmith, west London. The Metropolitan

Police Service said it was investigating the claim.

We would like to thank people for all the messages of support and solidarity with the Polish community expressed by the British public,” the embassy said.

London mayor Sadiq

Khan on Monday placed the city’s police force on alert following the incidents.

Khan said he took “seriously my responsibility to defend London’s fantastic mix of diversity and tolerance.

mark hung over the UK’s next presidency of the EU, due to begin in the second half of next year.

“The leaders are very interested in hearing the UK’s timeline but everyone knows Cameron won’t trigger Article 50 (the first formal step in the withdrawal procedure),” the source added.

The announcement of Mr Cameron’s replacement as leader of the Conservative Party, and thus prime minister, is not due now until 9 September, with 12:00 BST Thursday as the deadline for nominations.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned against delay in starting the exit process: “I don’t think we should see any shadowboxing or any cat-andmouse games. It is clear what the British people want and we should act accordingly.”

The European Parliament passed a motion urging the UK to start the exit process by triggering Article 50 immediately.

Opening the session, Mr Juncker said the will of the British people must be respected, prompting shouting and clapping from Mr Farage.

Market pressure eases after Brexit rout PRESSURE has eased on United Kingdom financial markets after two days of turmoil in the wake of the Brexit vote, with the FTSE 100 share index closing higher.

The index ended up 2.64 per cent at 6,140.39, while the FTSE 250 had gained 3.6 per cent.

The FTSE 100 lost 5.6 per cent in the previous two trading sessions, while the more UK-focused FTSE 250 had slumped 13.7 per cent The pound also showed signs of recovery, rising 0.4 per cent against the dollar

Bank of England governor, Mark Carney

to $1.3278 and adding 0.18 per cent against the euro to €1.2018.

The pound had risen as high as $1.50 shortly before the result of the vote became clear on Friday morning.

But on Monday, the currency plunged to a 31year low against the dollar, while some share trading was temporarily halted.

Also on Monday, yields on 10-year government bonds sank below one per cent for the first time as investors bet on an interest rate cut.

The UK market recovery was led by the sectors that had been worst hit in the past two days’ trading - banks, property and airlines.

Shares in gold miners, which had performed well on Monday, were among the biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 as the gold price weakened.

Other European stock markets also made gains,

with the Dax in Frankfurt up 1.9 per cent and the Cac in Paris up 2.6 per cent All three stock exchanges have fallen more heavily than London in the past two days of trading since the vote by the UK to leave the EU. On Wall Street, all three major indexes opened higher, up around one per cent in early trading.

other NEWS Zambian police charge newspaper editors in tax row ZAMBIAN police on Tuesday charged three people including two editors of a newspaper critical of the government that was shut down last week, as tensions rose in the run up to elections in August.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) shut down the Post newspaper last week, demanding $6 million in unpaid taxes but the newspaper accused the authorities of trying to silence it, and claimed the outstanding bill was part of a court dispute.

Reuters reported that tax officials have not commented on the matter, but Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday defended the ZRA’s action, saying it did so to recoup

unpaid taxes.

On Tuesday, the Post’s managing editor Joan Chirwa said police arrested its editor-in-chief Fred Mmembe, his wife Mutinta and deputy managing editor Joseph Mwenda late on Monday.

“This was after the trio gained entry into the Post newspaper’s head office in Rhodespark following a stay granted by the court restraining ZRA from seizing the newspaper’s property,” Chirwa told Reuters.

She said the Post - which has continued publishing from an unknown location - obtained a court order to resume operations but the police said it had not been signed by ZRA.

France charges Rifaat al-Assad with corruption

Rifaat Assad

SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad’s uncle, suspected of using ill-gotten gains to build a property empire in France, has been charged with corruption, French officials say.

Rifaat al-Assad, 78, who commanded Syria’s internal security forces in the 1970s and early 1980s, was charged on June 9 with receiving embezzled funds and tax fraud, a spokesman for the financial prosecutor’s office said on Tuesday, Al Jazeera said.

A French judge ordered

Rifaat al-Assad be prohibited from leaving France, with an exception for receiving medical care in the United Kingdom, according to one of the two non-governmental organisations, Sherpa, which filed complaints in 2013 and 2014 that led to the investigation.

Sherpa claims Rifaat’s fortune was stolen during his time at the heart of the Syrian regime.

In the probe, headed by Renaud van Ruymbeke, investigators estimated that Rifaat and his family amassed about $100m worth of property in France, mainly through companies registered in Luxembourg, between 1984 and 1988.

The Assad family claims the fortune was the result of gifts from wealthy Saudi supporters, including former King Abdullah, with whom he shared a love of horse-racing.

Egypt arrests, deports Lebanese TV host Lilian Daoud A prominent dual BritishLebanese journalist who hosted a talk show critical of the Egyptian government was briefly detained and then deported, security and airport sources have said.

Al Jazeera reported that Lilian Daoud was taken from her home on Monday by passport control officials, briefly after she announced the cancellation of her show on Twitter.

Airport sources later

confirmed that Daoud had been placed on a plane en route to Beirut, where she arrived on Tuesday.

Daoud’s show, on the privately owned OnTV network, disappeared from airwaves after the channel was sold by billionaire Egyptian investor Naguib Sawiris in May. Her programme, The Full Picture, on which she hosted protesters and youth leaders as well as government officials,

aired critical views of the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

Lilian Daoud. PHOTO: ONTV

communitynews World Bank set to construct Maje Bridge

38

By Olawale Olaniyan

B

ARELY a month after the corpse of a 65-year-old man was found at the bridge in Surulere Estate at New Felele, Ibadan, afer a downpour and the drowning of two others, the World Bank, in collaboration with Ibadan Urban Flood Management has concluded arrangements to rehabilitate the road.

In this regard, Maje, community through which River Maje links Surulere Estate would soon wear a new look after flood had made life difficult for residents as well as visitors, for many years. The situation often compel residents to park their cars before

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

getting to the community.

Speaking at the meeting of community members with representatives of the World Bank during the week, the project engineer, Tajudeen Oluwatoyin, said that Governor Abiola Ajimobi set up a committee after the 2011 flood disaster to look into the situation, adding that the hardship faced by Maje community was included in the report submitted by the committee.

“The reason we are here is to seek the support of the community for the road project which is expected to commence very soon.

The implementation is in stages; we have the social and environmental aspects of it and the implementa-

tion stage.

“We are on the social aspect in which we have to contact members of the community and ask them what they feel about the upcoming project. We advise them on what to do in the course of the construction and what they should not.

“In respect of funding, Senator Ajimobi has already got the money for the implementation of the project. The major is-

sue is that experts have to carry out studies and come up with a design that will overcome the flood problem that is experienced during the rainy season.

“The duration of the construction will be based on the design, we don’t know what they will come up with in the design and that is why I cannot tell you the duration of the project yet.

At present, we are at the design stage in which we

consider the model and structure adequate for the place,” Oluwatoyin stated.

Meanwhile, the president of the community, Engineer Omotayo Runsewe, has assured the project team of adequate security, adding that the people of the community are people of integrity.

“We are people of integrity and a responsible community. We hold meetings on regular basis. We want to

assure you of a peaceful stay here and security for your equipment. There won’t be any problem concerning your stay here, God willing,” Runsewe said.

The Baale of Soka, community, Chief Isiaka Bello, thanked the World Bank and Oyo State government for coming to the aid of the community, just as he assured the construction team of a peaceful stay.

Community development: Lagos to train 1,000 youths newton-rayukwuoma-lagos

AS part of efforts to empower the young ones from different communities in Lagos, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in collaboration with Job Link Ltd, is set to commence a month-long training for over 1,000 young persons in Lagos State, in July.

This was announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff, during a media briefing held recently at the state secretariat, Alausa.

The commissioner said that the training will be used to prepare young graduates for the labour market and reduce youth unemployment through teaching of employable skills.

She said the ministry had, in partnership with different private organisations, completed the training of over 1,500 young persons in different skills.

She said: “ In collaboration with Rated Cranes Technologies Nigeria Limited, the ministry has trained over 1,000 youths in heavy equipment operations comprising mobile crane operation, HIAB operation, wheel loading operation, excavator operation and fire extinguisher refill and services. We also trained manufacturing safety officers.

“We have also trained 500 youths both male and female in cosmetology, makeover and ‘gele’ tying. We did this in collaboration with Ojuloge Art World.”

Meanwhile, the ministry

is set to organise an interactive session with stakeholders involved in youth and social development programmes on Thursday, June 30, 2016 on the growing rate of unemployment, crime and youth restiveness in the state and beyond.

The programme, the commissioner said, is intended to stimulate “synergic alliance” with stakeholders on how to arrest the myriad of challenges faced by young people in the state.

Members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with stakeholders, at the commissioning of the NSCDC office at Ike Oluwa Community, Kajola, behind New Airport, Ibadan.

Group donates motorised borehole to Ilorin prison Biola Azeez-Ilorin

ILORIN Emirate Youth Development Association, has presented a motorised borehole to the Federal Prison, Oke-Kura, Ilorin.

Speaking at the commissioning of the borehole, the President and Public Relations Officer of the as-

sociation, Alhaji Abdullahi Salaudeen and Alhaji Mohammad Jagunmo respectively, said the borehole was donated by a philanthropist in Ilorin emirate.

According to the group, the borehole is expected to serve the officers, inmates and the people of the community.

“Visiting the Federal Prison in Oke-Kura, Ilorin, one would notice the excitement and signs of relief on the faces of prison officials and inmates. We thank the donor for spending to enhance the cause of humanity,” the president said.

In his remark, Deputy

Comptroller of Prison and Officer in-Charge of OkeKura Prison, Mr. Aliu Baba Usman, commended the group for their interventions in the lives of the downtrodden and for extending the gesture to the Nigeria Prison Service.

Usman, however, enumerated the challenges

Saki residents hail Oyo deputy speaker over tremor alert SOME residents of Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Friday, hailed their representative at the state House of Assembly, who is also the deputy speaker, Mr Abdulwasi Musah, for raising alert over the threat of tremour in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that, residents of the area had earlier appealed for government intervention over the threat of tremor.

NAN also reported that the affected areas are Duarulsalam and Koomi communities.

Speaking with NAN cor-

respondent in separate interviews on Friday, the residents said the intervention of the lawmaker, was remarkable.

Soliu Isameel, a trader said, “I want to specially thank the deputy speaker who considered it necessary to listen to us (residents) by moving the motion at the House of Assembly.

“Because of that motion and alert by him, officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment have visited affected areas with experts to examine soil samples.

“They have assured us that they will visit us from

time to time to ensure that we do not experience tremor or earthquake here.

“Being a member of the House of Assembly goes beyond distributing money to the people. It also entails being responsive to their yearnings,” he said.

Mr Moshood Alagbo, a teacher, who also hailed the lawmaker, said it was necessary for other government functionaries from the area to emulate the lawmaker.

“I just want say a big thank you to the Deputy Speaker for being a responsible person.

“He did not just move the motion that led to the intervention, he also ensured that the affected places were visited by the environment ministry officials,” he said.

Mrs Sidikat Amoo, who claimed to be a politician, said the visit of government officials to the area brought great relief to residents.

“I am a member of the opposition party at both federal and state levels, but fixing a general problem that affects everyone is not a political matter at all.

“I doff my hat for Honourable Musah,” she said.

confronting the Prison and called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of inmates, saying that they were still part of the community.

“On behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Prison, I thank the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association.

Though the borehole was donated by a good Samaritan. I see members of group as the good Samaritans, because I know them and not the donor. The Samaritan didn’t come here, I don’t know him, but God knows him and I pray that God almighty will continue to bless and replenish his purse.”

“We have been facing the problem of lack of water supply, even in the entire Ilorin metropolis. What affects the entire community also affects us here too.

“The borehole is a big relief. It will enhance accessibility to potable water to complement the effort of government . It will make life more comfortable for inmates and the entire prison community. We are, indeed, very grateful,” the prison boss said.

39

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016

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With Niyi Alebiosu adeniyi70@yahoo.com 08116954642

Kano Pillars crowned 2016 DSTV Premier Basketball League champions

F

OLLOWING its loss to Mark Mentors in last season’s finals, Kano Pillars Basketball club came back from a 4-point deficit against Lagos-based Nigerian Customs after the first quarter to win the 2016 DStv Premier Basketball league Finals at the weekend. Kano Pillars defeated Customs

71 – 53 points in the final match up which took place at the indoor hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

In a towering display of skills and experience, Kano Pillars tutored by Sani Ahmed were losing 13-17 after the first quarter but came back to emphatically dominate the second by 27-7 points to lead 40-24 at

half-time.

Pillars continued their impressive form in the third quarter winning by 22 -19, as the Nigerian Customs, Scott Nnaji who were playing in their first finals in over a decade, fought back to take the last quarter 10 – 9.

However, it was a little too late as Kano Pillars had

won the finals with veteran player, Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars, amassing 24 points and 9 rebounds while his teammate, AbdulWahab Yahaya scored 13 points and had 9 rebounds.

With the victory, Kano Pillars, which has now won its 5th title having being previously crowned champions in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014

Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager DStv, Tijani Umar; President, Nigeria Basketball federation (NBBF), Tayo Oreweme Liason Officer, Ministry of Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos presenting the winner’s trophy to the Captian of Kano Pillars during the final of 2016 DStv Premier Basketball League held at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium, Lagos.

Copa Coca-Cola, future of Nigerian football stars –Henry Nwosu As FOSLA Academy qualifies for s/final THROUGH Copa CocaCola, grassroots football can be encouraged to groom our stars of tomorrow, today,” says Henry Nwosu, the former assistant coach at the 2002 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The legendary footballer became a confidence booster for the young footballers, at the coaching clinics for the Under-15 football teams participating in the ongoing COPA Coca-Cola tournament.

The coaching clinics which took place ahead of the Southern regional finals in Port Harcourt was also cochaired by ex-international footballer, Tajudeen Disu, who supported Nwosu’s statement by adding that discipline, determination, and dedication are the ultimate prima needed to train these teens to become football stars and also help them achieve other future endeavours.

Speaking on the coaching

clinics, Nwosu said “I am passionate about coaching clinics because it is one of the ways that Coca-Cola is encouraging our youths to leave the streets and be worthy ambassadors of this country and their families.

Through Copa Coca-Cola, grassroots football can be encouraged to groom our stars of tomorrow, today.

When quizzed about his love for grassroots football, Nwosu, former Nigeria midfielder and youngest

Action recorded during the ongoing Copa Coca-Cola tournament.

ever Nigerian player to win the African Nations Cup, shared his teenage experience on combining education and football.

“I am passionate about grassroots football because I started out exactly like some of these teens.

I sneaked out of our home most afternoons just to play football because I was that passionate about it. My parents eventually decided to let me play football as long as I focused intently on my education and put in my best. To prove to my parents that I could play football and still be studious, I worked twice as hard in class and on the football field and excelled.

Meanwhile, FCT representatives in the on-going 2016 Copa Coca Cola U-15 Championship FOSLA Academy, Karshi Abuja on Tuesday qualified for the semi-finals of the competition. The Abuja boys defeated the Government Model School Suleja Niger State by a lone goal.

and Nigerian Customs, will represent the country in the African basketball championship.

In the third place match, Coach Ogoh Daudu inspired the Rivers Hoopers to defeat Kwara Falcons in a tightly contested game, winning 59-57 points.

In other classification games, Plateau Peaks defeated Nigeria Potters to emerge as fifth and sixth placed teams, respectively, while Gombe Bulls took a 75-50 point win over Oluyole Warriors to take seventh and eight positions.

Speaking after the actionpacked games, Marketing

Manager, DStv Nigeria, Chioma Afe expressed delight over the high standard of play exhibited during the finals.

“We are very happy with the passion, dedication and commitment of the players, coaches and administrators of the game during this league season. At DStv, we are excited at the progress basketball is making, which is indicated in the number of fans returning to court.

We are fully committed to enhancing the game in Nigeria by introducing innovation and excitement in the coming season,” Afe said.

World Cup qualifiers:

22 players storms Black Stallions camp THE players invited by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation for a 2-week intensive camping exercise ahead of the pre-qualifiers for the 2019 Rugby World cup on Tuesday reported to camp under the supervision of South African born coach, Fabian Juries.

Apart from the 2 foreign based duo of Christian Ogar and Okafor ThankGod, the other 21 players reported at the mainbowl of the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where they had their first training session which started by 4pm under a light rain.

Head coach of the side, Fabian Juries speaking

after the team’s 1st training on Tuesday said some of the players are not fit, but before the end of the 2 weeks camping exercise, he should have knocked them into shape.

“Some of them are fit while some of them are not fit. We should be ready for the competition, which will be played in 2 and half weeks from now” He said the friendly game scheduled for Saturday against a selected side will help the technical team evaluate the team as they intensify preparation for the pre-qualifier for the 2018 World cup.

Tiger Golf club Lady Captain, Mrs Oyinlola Omajuwa (left) with former Lady Captain of Ibadan Golf Club, Alhaja Otolola Adesiyan.

SIDELINES

NO 16,534

Bakare Kabiru, a man accused of setting his girlfriend on fire in a fit of rage, accidentally wounding his friend in the process, has told the police in Oyo State that he mistakenly stepped on the keg of petrol that reduced his lover to a most horrible sight before her grusome death. Anger is a most vicious fuel which burns faster than petrol. But those who are controlled by it become gentle when they face certain death penalty.

N150

WEDNESDAY, 29 JUNE, 2016

Sports minister rejects foreign coach for Eagles Leon Usigbe - Abuja

A

GAINST the search by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for a foreign handler for the Super Eagles, Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has said he is not in favour of hiring a non-Nigerian for the team.

But he has left open a window of opportunity if only the NFF the football house can convince him of how they intend to pay his salary.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday, he also expressed worries that coaches’ favoritism when picking

Lagos Farewell Testimonial for Amodu, Keshi holds July 23 THE Lagos state government in conjunction with the Sports Writer’s Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, have set up a committee to oversee the Lagos Farewell Testimonial match for the two departed former Super Eagles chief coaches, Amodu Shaibu and Stephen Keshi, which has been scheduled for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on July 23, 2016.

The Chairman of the committee who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, said the event which is meant to raise money for the families of the departedcoaches, would also celebrate the two illustrious sons of Nigeria.

The money raised would be added to whatever the two families get from other donations across the country.

“The Farewell Testimonial match would see the Super Eagles players battle against Lagos All Stars team in the main match of the day, while the curtain raiser would be a game between the Lagos SWAN team and the Supporters Club.

This would be followed by musical concert where prominent Nigerian musicians and comedians would perform in the entertainment aspect of the programme. This aspect of the event is coordinated by veteran music act, Chris Mba.”

athletes for competition has affected the selection of indigenous coaches.

He said: “The selection of coaches usually is handled by our technical team. We are a supervising ministry.

We have little to do with the process but we have a role in guiding what is best for Nigeria.

“I have always maintained that if we cannot pay indigenous coaches which we still owe them some months of salaries, some of them have even died without those salaries, do we still go and look for foreign coach and will he be able to tolerate us without salaries for some time?

“More so that we may also be paying him in hard currency. So, its a fundamental contradiction to swallow easily.

“But there is one aspect of this indigenous coaching that has been responsible for the poor performance of football in Nigeria which Nigerians need to know.

“They have not been able to grow above their parochial sentiment. An example is that a coach will train a team, the team will qualify to go to the next stage, once it becomes international event, they will now submit a different list of people not the entire people who qualified.

“This already has violated what is referred to as team spirit in football.

A team that played is different from the one that is going to international competition.

“We have that crisis on our hands now, especially with the list of those who are going to Rio. “Those who qualified are fundamentally different from those that have been sent to go and play at the finals, making it look like those wheelbarrow.

“You know the wheelbarrow is an instrument that is not important. It can only be kept under perennial sun.

Once there is load, you go and pick it.

“So, some people are only good to go and qualify and create room for others to go. That is one of the problems with indigenous coaching.”

I’m a Shooting Stars fan — Pinnick

By Olawale Olaniyan

Mikel

THE president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick, has revealed his passion for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, saying he is a fan of the Oluyole warlords.

He made this known while speaking with journalists during the Nigeria Professional Football League match day 24 clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where 3SC settled for a 2-2 draw with FC IfeanyiUbah.

Pinnick stated that he was impressed with the turn out of fans saying this was good for Nigerian football.

“I want to commend Ibadan fans for trooping out en masse to support 3SC and of course football. I think this is something that is worthy of commendation.

I’m very glad to see this unprecedented crowd in this stadium.

“This is the second time I had watched a league game in Ibadan since I assumed office, The last time I came was when 3SC hosted Rangers.

“I grew up practically in Ibadan because I usually spend all my holidays in the city. I came to Ibadan to see my aunt and I was told there is a game going on and I decided to come to the stadium.

“I’m used to Ibadan. I was reminding former Secretary General of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, that I watched the Champions League game between Shooting Stars and Royal Armed Forces of Morocco in 1984 which ended 4-1.

“So, I have always been a fan of Shooting Stars even before I became the president of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Pinnick said after the game.

Mikel may dump Chelsea JOHN Obi Mikel could be set to leave Chelsea this summer in pursuit of regular first-team football, Goal understands.

The midfielder, who has been with the Blues since 2006, has just one-year remaining on his current deal and is yet to receive assurances about his playing time ahead of the new

season.

Goal learnt that Mikel had spoken to inbound Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte and is prepared to hold off a move away until he holds further discussions with the manager when Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign ends.

However, Mikel - who would

be keen to stay at Chelsea - is considering alternative options in case Conte does not offer him what he wants.

Chelsea have a policy of only offering one-year extensions to players over 30 which means it is in the 29-year-old’s interest to renew his contract this summer to secure a longer deal.

Pinnick (left) and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Mr Abayomi Oke during the match.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 29/6/2016.